SpinSheet Magazine July 2023

Worldwide Yacht Sales | Yacht Charters

1974 37’ Irwin - $19,000 Dan Williams - 502.881.7475

1986 38’ Wauquiez - $65,000 Brent Anderson - 651.528.4198

1970 38’ Herreshoff - $29,900 Lin Earley - 757.672.2778

1988 34’ Catalina - $37,500 Lin Earley - 757.672.2778

1888 35’ George Lawley & Sons - $249,000 Fletcher Bauman - 410.263.2000

1998 28’ Hunter - $27,900 Dan Tisoskey - 267.784.7229

1984 36’ Union - $70,000 Dan Williams - 502.881.7475

1982 36’ Vancouver - $60,000 Dan Williams - 502.881.7475

1985 40’ Tartan - $85,000 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1977 41’ Morgan - $35,000 Lars Bergstrom - 910.899.7941

1990 43’ Slocum - $195,000 Jim Davis - 386.871.4959

1979 30’ Mystic - $17,500 Grant Stadler - 704.589.9244

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41

Features

24

Fourth of July Fireworks on the Chesapeake

Here’s a quick guide to where to find Independence Day fireworks shows on the water.

38

Stories of the Century

What SpinSheet Century Club members are up to this summer.

presented by bacon sails and Marine supplies

41

Summer Cruising Itineraries

Where to sail on the Bay in summertime? Active cruisers share their tips.

43

Bluewater Dreaming: Lessons for 10-Years-Ago John

Hidden dangers, thumps in the night, and other sailing things that don’t freak him out as much as they did 10 years ago.

By John Herlig

presented by M yacht services

55

Youth and Collegiate Focus: Team Race Nationals and Snipe Jr. Nationals

Young Chesapeake sailors exceled in these recent championship regattas.

57

A Challenging Annapolis to Newport Race Tests Racers’ Mettle

A challenging Annapolis to Newport Race, plus more about the Down the Bay, Miles River Race, Southern Bay Race Week, Snipe Colonial Cup, and more Chesapeake racing news.

presented by Mount Gay ruM

76

One More Time—Light Air Dancing

Thoughts on winning in “sub-optimal” conditions.

By David Flynn of Quantum Sails

on the cover

Mark Hergan took this photo of Todd Berget’s J/120 Skadi team at the start of the Annapolis to Newport Race off Annapolis June 2. Find more about how this group of West River beach cat sailors earned their ocean racing stripes and won their class on page 57

# Photo by Robert Marino

# Photo by Molly Winans

# Photo by Mark Hergan

Departments

36 See the Bay: Cruising Around Solomons By Staff

46 Charter Notes: Discovering Mallorca By Eric

Vohr

and Michaela Urban

48 Cruising Club Notes presented by yaZu yacthinG

Cruising Scene Racing Beat

57 Racing News presented by Mount Gay ruM

74 Small Boat Scene: Grownups: Help Create the Bridge to One-Design Sailing for Younger Sailors By Kim Couranz

For breaking news, photos, and videos, visit spinsheet.com

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Wanderlust

By Molly Winans

In the spring of 2008, six months into my first year as the editor of SpinSheet, a 24-year-old sailor named Andy Schell sent me a terrific story about spending the summer aboard at Annapolis’s oldest boatyard, the now defunct Sarles. Andy had cruised extensively, including a year in the Bahamas with his family. He had just returned from a season in Stockholm visiting his Swedish girlfriend, Mia, and was working aboard the Schooner Woodwind when the first of what would become several years’ worth of his SpinSheet articles was published that July.

Fast forward 15 years. When Andy and his now wife and business partner, Mia Karlsson, sent me an invitation to sail on their newly refitted Farr 65 Falken on a sunny Tuesday in Annapolis, I jumped on it. Andy and Mia now live in Sweden. They run 59 North, an offshore sailing adventure company, offering ocean passages “with like-minded people,” including experienced 59 North captains, aboard one of their two vessels: the 1999 Farr 65 Falken and the Swan 45 Isbjorn

I had a chance to ask Andy and Mia questions about their recent refit and life:

Can you give me a summary of the Falken refit?

We stripped the boat down to the bare hull and built it back up again. Most was a renovation, but galley/salon was a full redesign by Bob Perry. It’s rare that a designer will design only part of the boat. Bob has become a friend over the years, because of the (On the Wind) podcast. He was so fun to work with. We went through 25 iterations with Bob. Our priorities were to have a boat that could accommodate 11 people to hang out when off watch and before and after passages. The galley needed to be a commercial kitchen to feed 11 and one that was narrow enough to cook while sailing offshore on both tacks.

Mia—how was your trans-Atlantic in May? How many have you done?

It was really nice, very light wind. It took 18 days. No squalls, which is unusual. We had 11 onboard. This was my seventh

trans-Atlantic and fourth trade winds passage from Europe to the Caribbean.

Andy—You’ve surpassed episode #400 with your On the Wind podcast. Congratulations! What’s been surprising about that journey? Advice to would-be podcasters?

It’s been surprising that I’ve stuck to something for this long. I started it 10 years ago in September. What I’d tell a new podcaster is, ‘Don’t publish the first one until you’ve taped 10.’ Also, the reason my podcast is successful is that I also had another podcast tangentially sailing-related (of which) I’d done 30 episodes, so I’d practiced.

What’s on your bucket list?

I’m not sure I have a bucket list, but I will say that I have satisfaction in the smaller things that I didn’t have before—like our sailing day with old friends in Annapolis. It’s about balance now for me. We have this 34-foot boat in Sweden, our family boat. I’d like to do a solo passage, but now that (our three-year-old son) Axel is getting older, maybe we do a doublehanded

one. Maybe I just go sailing with Mia and Axel instead of for work. On my professional bucket list is sailing a double around Cape Horn, a big 10,000-mile passage.

Anything else you’d like SpinSheet readers to know?

It’s so awesome coming back to Annapolis. It truly does feel like home and will always be our home port. Every chance I get I will come back. I really do feel like a part of this community.

Where can we find upcoming 59 North offshore trips with open bunks?

59-north.com/bunks

Thank you, Andy and Mia, for a delightful day on the water. Back in 2008 Andy described himself as “an adventurer with wanderlust”—he wasn’t exaggerating. To watch him grow his family of adventurers, share that passion, and sail the world inspires me. Sail on!

Summer Cover Contest

Submit your photo for the SpinSheet Summer Cover Contest by July 10 to put in the running for our August 2023 cover shot. We prefer vertical shots that depict sailors sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Find details and enter your photos at spinsheet.com/cover-contest.

• Image should have enough space for our logo/header

• Vertical photos make the best covers. Horizontal photos may work if there is enough image to be cropped vertically.

• Image should have enough space for date/footer

You must upload your photos online at spinsheet.com/cover-contest by July 10.

# 2011 contest winner Mark Duehmig # 2012 contest winner Mary Lees Gunther # 2010 contest winner Dave Sossamon

Schooner Woodwind Marks 30 Years of Sailing

This summer an institution in the Annapolis waterfront community marks 30 years of sailing. The Schooner Woodwind, docked in downtown Annapolis, has for three decades welcomed aboard tourists and locals alike to experience joy of casting off from an Annapolis bulkhead and plying into the brackish waters of the Chesapeake.

Over the years, the Kaye family, Ken, Ellen, and daughter Jennifer Kaye—who own and operate the business—have introduced thousands of people to sailing. Along the way they’ve become an important part of the fabric of this historic waterfront town.

The story of how it all began goes like this: when the instrumental elementary school music program that Ken taught for 25 years was cut from the curriculum, he and Ellen retired from their teaching jobs in New England. At the time, Jen was about to graduate from college, during which she had spent a semester at sea aboard a schooner. All three were active sailors and ready for a new adventure.

They looked at many similar businesses that took guests out on boats, and they methodically researched the idea, riding as guests aboard other head boats, taking notes, and developing their business plan. They selected Annapolis as their home port, commissioned a new, 74-foot schooner, and began welcoming customers in June of 1993. To meet the demand for their popular group and private sails, five years later they added a second, identical boat, Woodwind II

Captain Jen says, “We wanted to take our business to a higher level than the other head boats we had seen. We were advused to became involved in the Annapolis community, which we did, and whenever we were on the boat with

customers we made it a point to share our knowledge and enthusiasm about sailing and the local area.”

Captain Ken, who generally speaks in measured tones, gushes with pride when asked about Jen’s role in the business. He says, “Jen is the center of it all. She sails the boats, organizes the business, and makes sure everything works properly. She has this wonderful ability to know where she is in the world and what’s happening around her. When she’s captaining a race, she can keep track of the crew, the water, the wind, the other boats, and the racing strategy. She always pays attention to whether the guests are enjoying themselves and how we can improve their experience. She has high ideals and has done a phenomenal job.”

For her part Jen says, “We’ve always treated everyone like friends and family. My biggest pleasure has been to see my family’s impact on others. We’ve been mentors to so many young people that we’ve hired, and lots of them have gone on to live their own big dreams, in marine careers and other fields too. We keep in touch and are so proud of all of them. Their successes show what can happen when you hire people who are passionate and enthusiastic and create a space in which you can tell them, ‘Go, do this with guts!’”

For more about the Woodwind boats and business, including tickets, sail times, fun facts, videos, photos, private cruises, and more, go to schoonerwoodwind.com.

# Photo by Dave Gendell

# Captains Jen and Ken Kaye with Schooner Woodwind sailing in the background. Photo by Molly Winans

Homemade Baked Goods Delivered to Your Boat? Yes, Please!

Those who have sailed in the Caribbean may have experienced the joys of having homemade cookies or bread delivered to their moorings. Now sailors will be able to enjoy that in Annapolis!

Hannah Gribbin grew up sailing locally, spent six years in the U.S. Coast Guard, attended pastry school—where she was at the top of her class—and recently founded Cocoa & Pearl Bakery, a new bakery bringing handmade, fromscratch muffins, buns, cakes, cookies, and more to boaters on the water in Annapolis.

How does one go from being in the Coast Guard to pastry school? “It’s a story of mothers and daughters,” says Gribbin. “My mother loved to cook. She and I spent a lot of happy times together in the kitchen. She passed away when I was 16 years old. I was looking for some way to feel happy when I was thinking

of her and not to feel sad. I started to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I liked baking more than cooking.

It became a hobby I was passionate about… and a side hustle when I was in college. When I was in the Coast Guard, I got married and had three daughters of my own (four-year old twins, Darcy and Sophie, and two-year-old, Melody). Your whole life focus changes when you have kids, and I wanted to show them that you can follow a dream.”

After honing her skills at a busy Boston bakery before returning to Annapolis, Gribbin is now hard at work in her small cottage kitchen: folding pastry

dough, reducing simple syrups, and piping icing onto a variety of delectable creations. She’ll don her boat shoes and head out to her restored 1959 crab-fishing boat, Honey Bun (built by Virginia boat builder Harvey Hurley) to deliver the breakfast pastries and baked goods to the mooring fields and dock slips around Annapolis Harbor this summer.

Starting the Fourth of July weekend, Cocoa & Pearl hopes to begin accepting orders for delivery through its website, cocoaandpearl.com

Photo

# Hannah Gribbin on her restored 1959 crabbing boat Honey Bun. Photo courtesy of Cocoa and Pearl Bakery

Youth Boat-Building Program Launches Sailing Scow

With a collective push, a group of middle school students from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s (CBMM) Rising Tide after-school program trundled the St. Michaels sailing scow they’ve spent the spring constructing onto the water for the first time on the evening of May 22.

The 12-foot wooden boat, dubbed Pickle by a consensus vote of the builders, launched into Fogg’s Cove to spirited cheers from the assembled group of family, friends, and program supporters.

“It’s fun because you get to see all the stuff that you worked on, and then it’s finally done,” said seventhgrader Sofia Mercado, after taking her turn to get a short ride in the boat. “It’s fun to make something and see it turn out well.”

Meeting on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, a total of 19 middle school

students logged a combined 630 hours toward the project this spring, following shipwright apprentice Megan Mitchell’s

milling lumber, scarfing planks, and transferring patterns from the lofting to the building stock. They were involved with the gluing up and shaping the mast and boom, crafting and installing all of the components, and painting the vessel, as well.

The result was Pickle, with a bright-white hull and green trim. This is likely the first one to be built in town in decades. True to its name, the scow is a St. Michaels original and will be featured in the new watercraft heritage exhibition in the new Welcome Center.

project plan with support from CBMM education staff and volunteers.

Beginning in January, the Rising Tide students contributed to nearly every step in the process to bring the boat to life: studying original plans drafted in 1929,

For more information on CBMM’s Rising Tide program, which is a free, donorfunded after-school program that teaches students in grades six through nine basic boatbuilding and woodworking skills in a welcoming, relaxed environment, visit cbmm.org/youtheducation or email risingtide@cbmm.org

# Students in CBMM’s after-school program launch their newly constructed scow. Photo by George Sass, courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Local Fifth Graders Make STEM Learning Fun Through Boating

It’s not every day a fifth grader announces, “That was the best day of my life,” but it happened last week at Eastport Yacht Club Foundation’s (EYCF) STEM Through Sailing & Boating program. In cooperation with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, EYC’s non-profit foundation hosts this three-day experience that teaches kids real life applications of STEM.

Each morning students move through five interactive stations to learn about tides, wind, navigation, mechanical advantage, and ecosystem health. Students work with anemometers, compasses, navigation charts, mini sailboats, and lifting sandbags with the help of pulley systems.

After lunch, dreams come true as students and their teachers embark on sailboats and powerboats captained by EYCF volunteers. For many it’s their first time on a boat, and for some a lifelong love of boating begins that day.

Eric Day, an Anne Arundel County Public School (AACPS) Elementary STEM teacher specialist, has worked closely with the EYCF team for years developing the session content to support classroom learning. Day says, “Watching

ing and protecting it,” says Virginia Tippie, a retired oceanographer and longtime instructor of the ecosystem morning session.

the moments when the students connect their land station learning to their experience on the boats is fantastic.”

“It’s a rewarding way to share our love of the water and encourage future stewards of the Chesapeake Bay to join us in appreciat-

From May 31-June 2 Eastport Elementary, Georgetown East Elementary, and Annapolis Elementary students descended upon EYC one day at a time, where about 100 lucky students were greeted by 60-plus EYCF volunteers across the three days. “These are some of the foundation’s favorite days of the year and just part of our ongoing commitment to educating and inspiring today’s youth to learn about and even seek careers in the marine and maritime industry,” says Meghan Hryniewicz, EYCF STEM program chair. EYCF welcomes individuals and local businesses interested in being a part of and expanding its mission to preserve the maritime character of Annapolis by bringing boating, education, and the community together.

For more information, contact president Becky Ranzenbach at eycfoundation@ gmail.com or (302) 220-0857.

James P. Muldoon Receives the National Guardian Award

On June 6, James P. Muldoon received the Guardian Award from the US Coast Guard Foundation. The award is presented each year to recognize individuals, companies, or organizations who have provided significant support or have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the Coast Guard Foundation, U.S. Coast Guard personnel and families, or members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Nineteen years ago, Muldoon was one of four board members who started the Coast Guard Foundation’s “Tribute to the Coast Guard.” Since then, the annual event has raised more than $15 million for the foundation’s programs, which assist Coast Guard members and their families.

In addition to his work with the Coast Guard Foundation, Muldoon, a Chesapeake sailor, has served in leadership roles with 30 maritime organizations, including: chairman of the Department of Homeland Security’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council; president of US

Sailing; chairman of DC Sail; and founding board member of the Sailing Hall of Fame. He is also the founder of the Brendan Sail Program, which he started after noting that his son with learning differences, Brendan, grew in competence and confidence as his sailing skills developed.

Joanne M. Dorval, president of Brendan Sailing, said, “Jim Muldoon founded Brendan Sailing nearly four decades ago and his continuing leadership and financial support has insured that hundreds of youths with learning differences have successfully built self-esteem through sailing. The recent nationwide expansion of the ‘Brendan Approach’ using the methods proved successful in Brendan camps in

Maryland and DC are possible thanks to his generous donations and leadership.”

Richard O’Brien, vice president of the DC Sail board of directors added, “Chairman Muldoon was the inspiration for bringing community sailing to Washington, DC, through DC Sail and its Kids Set Sail program. He has been at the helm of the organization from the beginning and has grown the sport of sailing in the District for the last 23 years to include many underprivileged DC youth.”

# James P. Muldoon receives the 2023 Guardian Award from The U.S. Coast Guard Foundation’s board chairman, Thomas A. Allegretti. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Foundation

A Rising Tide Floats This Dock: 222 Severn’s New Resilient Pier

Flooding so high you could row in it: that’s what Annapolitans remember of the Hurricane Isabel storm surge in 2003. This spring, 222 Nautical Properties in Eastport decided to replace their dock in the Harbor with the Isabel disaster in mind.

“Knowing sea levels are rising, we set out with our partners to make a dock

that could withstand a more extreme storm surge if it were to happen in 2037,” says 222 Severn/W&P Nautical co-owner Cardie Templeton.

On May 17, 222 Severn unveiled their innovative new floating pier, designed for water levels well above Isabel’s. They’ve also generously shared their design considerations, as well as calculations, a list of partners, and other resources, at the bottom of the “Marina” page at 222severn.com.

“We’re sharing our logic, decisions, and list of partners in case any of this can help others in their resiliency efforts,” says Templeton. “The stronger our collective infrastructure, the healthier our maritime industry will be and the more we can all enjoy the water and feel encouraged to save the Chesapeake Bay.”

222 Severn replaced their fixed pier with a floating dock. A levitating gangway attachment allows the gangway’s land end to rise up with the tide and the dock to a full four feet above the bulkhead. In the parking lot, 222 Severn installed a high electrical platform with an access ladder. Its lowest electrified point is two and a half feet higher than the code requires. Under the bulkhead 222 Severn positioned an extra-long electrical conduit and water lines that can safely reach both the highest and lowest water levels anticipated in their calculations. The dock’s anchor piles are especially tall: a full three feet higher than the dock deck would rise in an extreme flood, able to accommodate two-foot waves.

222 Severn thanks their partners, tenants, and neighbors for helping see the project to completion. They say their new floating pier creates “a model that shows how maritime businesses can protect waterfront resources.”

# Cardie Templeton, 222 Severn/W&P Nautical, with help from (l-r) the City of Annapolis’s Jackie Guild, Mike Mallinoff, and Hilary Raftovich, cuts the ribbon on a new innovative pier in Eastport.

Photo courtesy of Cardie Templeton

Third Annual Portsmouth Paddle Battle Splashes

September 9

Who says that summer water fun ends on Labor Day? The third annual Portsmouth Paddle Battle will once again bring froth and fun to the Elizabeth River in Olde Towne, Portsmouth, VA, on September 9.

The Paddle Battle will feature Kayak and SUP (paddleboard) racing from 10-2; children’s activities from 10-1, including historic maritime re-enactors, free Lightship Portsmouth coloring books and crayons (while they last), and face-painting; live music from 11 to 4:30; food and beverages (including beer, wine, and the famous Paddle Battle Punch); raffles; free admission to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum; and other fun activities for all. Oh, and great prizes! And all the land fun is free.

The Paddle Battle will be at High Street Basin located at the foot of High Street in historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth. The racecourse runs from High Street Basin to the Naval Shipyard Hammerhead Crane and back. The event welcomes racers of all levels and from ages 16 to 70+.

This is the only kayak and SUP race we know about where you can race among aircraft carriers and against tanker ships. There’s nothing like it!

The Paddle Battle is put on by The Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, an independent 501(c)(3) which provides support to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and the Lightship Portsmouth Museum.

Gary Bahena, President of The Friends, says “The Portsmouth Paddle Battle will offer a day of fun and excitement for racers and non-racers alike. We are hoping to have as many as 100 or more racers, and to see the riverwalk from High Street to City Hall lined with spectators cheering the racers on.” Portsmouth City Mayor Shannon Glover, who has raced in every Paddle Battle, added that, “We are very excited to see large water events come back to our historic waterfront. This is becoming a major annual event for Portsmouth and for all of Hampton Roads and we’re happy that it is a home-grown Portsmouth event.”

For more information and to register, visit portsmouthpaddlebattle.org

Where else do you get to race amid aircraft carriers and tanker ships?

Photo courtesy of Gary Bahena

Chesapeake Bay Health Shows Improvement Over Time

The overall health of the Chesapeake Bay is showing significantly improving trends over time, but some regions still score poorly, reported the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) in its annual Chesapeake Bay and Watershed Report Card released June 6. Similar to 2021, the overall Chesapeake Bay received a C grade.

“While the trajectory of improvements, particularly concerning nutrients in the Bay, is in the right direction, we need to pick up the pace of restoration so that we can hit our nutrient reduction targets in the future and ensure our resilience to climate change,” said Peter Goodwin, president of UMCES.

The overall Bay health score has increased by six points in the past two years, an encouraging sign in the recovery of the Bay. Of the seven indicators, there were improvements in water clarity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and aquatic grasses. Although conditions in the Bay overall are improving, many tributaries still have poor scores with a concerning trend of poor scores in the Eastern Shore watersheds.

Watershed health was scored in three categories: ecological, societal, and economic health. In 2022, ecological scored a B-; societal scored a C; and economic scored a C. Overall, the ecological, social, and economic conditions on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia are worse than other regions across all three categories. This helps explain the poor Bay scores for the Eastern Shore tributaries.

New Environmental Justice Index Shows Disparities

This year is the first time an integrated environmental justice index has been included in the report card. Environmen-

health vulnerability indicators. Overall, there are strong disparities in different areas of the watershed. Cities and rural areas tend to experience higher relative impacts, and more suburban areas tend to experience lower relative impacts.

“The addition of the Environmental Justice Index provides a more holistic perspective of Chesapeake Bay and watershed health than has previously been available,” said Bill Dennison, vice president for Science Application at UMCES. “This holistic approach will make sure the report card is relevant to all communities in the Chesapeake watershed. We need to have healthy communities to ensure that we achieve a healthy Chesapeake Bay. Addressing environmental justice is critical to ensure that restoration enhances long-term sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in an equitable way.”

The Environmental Justice Index characterizes the cumulative impacts and patterns of environmental injustice across the watershed. The index considers social factors such as poverty, race, ethnicity, and pre-existing health conditions, which can increase these impacts.

tal Justice is about creating a healthy and equitable society in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Environmental Justice Index developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry, in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Environmental Justice, includes social vulnerability, environmental burden, and

UMCES’s Integration and Application Network produces the annual report card, which is the most comprehensive assessment of the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways. The report card uses extensive data and analysis in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Program, academic institutions, and watershed jurisdictions. For more information about the 2022 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Report Card including region-specific data, visit chesapeakebay.ecoreportcard.org

Two Schooners Offer Public Sails Out of Yorktown

Historic Yorktown is now the permanent home of two schooners at the Riverwalk Landing Piers. The Schooner Alliance II and the Schooner Serenity will navigate the waters of the York River daily and offer day and sunset sails, pirate cruises, as well as private charters.

The Alliance II replaces its namesake vessel, which was sold to an education nonprofit in Michigan last year. Around the same time as the sale, new owners Erik Lohse and Tyler Bullock purchased York River Cruises from Lohse’s stepmother, Laura Lohse.

“It was so important to keep York River Cruises in the family because we understand the growth potential and the significance it brings to the community,” explained Erik. “We are incredibly fortunate to have found two boats that would allow us to carry on the Lohse legacy.”

The owners are adamant about sustaining their business in Yorktown because of

the area’s ambiance and convenience.

“When I came aboard as the ship’s captain in 2019, I was blown away by the amount of water there was and how accessible the area is. I’m so excited to be able to stay and work in Yorktown and call it my home,” said Tyler.

Kristi Olsen, director of York County Economic and Tourism Development, is excited about enhancing the on-water attractions available in Historic Yorktown.

“The Alliance II and Serenity will not only boost the economy but will also give locals and tourists the opportunity

to experience Yorktown’s breathtaking landscape and learn about the significance Yorktown’s ships played in U.S. history,” she said.

Captains Erik and Tyler will steer guests past Yorktown Battlefield, the location where our country won its independence. Day Sails and Pirate Adventure Cruises cost $45 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Sunset Sails are $55 per person (no age discount). Tours run through October 31. In addition, the Schooner Serenity offers private sightseeing charters. Buy tickets and learn more at sailyorktown.com.

Photo by David Sites

# Schooner Serenity. Image courtesy of York County

Fourth of July Fireworks

Whether anchoring out or watching from land, nothing beats Fourth of July on the Chesapeake. At print time, these were the shows that had been announced. Be sure to check event websites for any updates as weather and other cancellations can occur. We will continue to post updates at spinsheet.com.

Saturday, July 1

Middle River, MD: Presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County, the Middle River Fireworks Extravaganza begins at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.). The barges will be anchored just outside the six-knot zone in Middle River, so get your boat anchored up early to be ready for a spectacular show! For updates, visit the event’s Facebook page.

St. Michaels, MD: Fireworks in St. Michaels Harbor are scheduled for Saturday night at dusk with a rain date of July 2. Find a good spot in town or watch from a boat in the Miles River. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host its annual Big Band Night from 7 to 10 p.m. Shades of Blue Orchestra will start the live music at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk (rain date for fireworks and concert is July 2). Food, ice cream, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is $6 for CBMM members and $10 for non-members, with children ages 5 and under, plus active and retired military, free. cbmm.org

Monday, July 3

Chesapeake Beach, MD: The Independence Day Celebration is scheduled for July 3 with a rain date of July 8. The fireworks show, held at dusk, is viewable along the Fishing Creek bridge, Kellam’s field, Veteran’s Memorial Park, or at one of the town’s waterfront restaurants or resort. Bring a blanket and a picnic for a family fun evening at Kellam’s field (glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited). chesapeakebeachmd.gov

North East, MD: The Salute to Veterans and Fireworks Show will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at North East Town Park in North East, MD. The official ceremony begins at 8 p.m. and includes the flag raising, Pledge of Allegiance, salute to the veterans, and more. There will also be music, displays, food, family-oriented activities, and of course, fireworks over the water. Seating is on the grass and along the waterfront in the park; bring blankets and chairs. stoccv.org

Rock Hall, MD: Fireworks over Rock Hall Harbor start at approximately 9:15 p.m. Presented by the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company. Please help keep this tradition going; donations are welcome (rockhallvfc.org). rockhallmd.com

Tuesday, July 4

Annapolis, MD: The Fourth of July Parade takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and kicks off at Amos Garrett and West Street, and then heads down West Street, the wrong way around Church Circle, and down Main Street. Fireworks are from 8 to 9:45 p.m. and will be launched from a barge in Annapolis Harbor. visitannapolis.org

Baltimore, MD: Festivities will kick off around 3 p.m. with food, fun activities, and a DJ at the Red, White, and Blue Picnic at West Shore Park. Entertainers will perform from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. At 8 p.m., the BSO will host a Star-Spangled Celebration concert which will culminate around 9:15 p.m. with fireworks.

Newport News, VA: The Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation presents the Fourth of July Stars in the Sky at Victory Landing Park (50 25th St.). The festivities begin at 7 p.m. and include children’s activities, strolling entertainers, food vendors, live music from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and the night will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show. Admission and parking are free. nnparksandrec.org

Norfolk, VA: The 40th Annual Fourth of July Great American Picnic and Fireworks takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. at Town Point Park along the downtown Norfolk, VA, waterfront. Relax on the lawn and enjoy an evening of all-American fare including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, cotton candy, and much more, along with live musical entertainment from military brass bands. The night is capped off by the sensational fireworks show high above the Elizabeth River, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Free. festevents.org

Ocean City, MD: There will be music and fireworks at two locations: downtown at N. Division Street and uptown at Northside Park (125th Street). For both locations, bring a beach chair or blanket and arrive early. Music starts at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. ococean.com

Queen Anne’s County, MD: Fireworks can be viewed from the Kent Narrows and surrounding area. Due to the site improvements being done at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center, the celebration has moved to the parking area of the “old outlets” at 59 Piney Narrows Road. The parking/event area opens at 5 p.m. Food trucks, music, free parking, and fireworks at 9:20 p.m. qac.org

Washington, DC: The National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4 at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street (july4thparade.com). The National Park Service hosts the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, typically starting around 9 p.m., which launches from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool (stay tuned for updates at nps.gov/foju). At The Wharf, guests can enjoy a free celebration from 7 to 10 p.m. on District Pier. Enjoy music and spectacular views of the National Park Service fireworks launched from the National Mall. Learn more at wharfdc.com/fourth

Yorktown, VA: Get ready for a full day of events in Yorktown, VA, starting with an 8K run/walk at 8 a.m., a parade on Water and Main Streets at 9 a.m., family games and activities at Riverwalk Landing in the afternoon, live music, a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town and a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m., and the fireworks display over the York River at 9:15 p.m. For a full schedule of events and details on parking, visit visityorktown.org

For more details and links to event websites, visit spinsheet.com/calendar

through Jul 28

yankee point marina charity concert Series

10 weekends raising funds for 10 local charities to the tunes of 10 musical acts. Friday nights, June 2 through July 28, 6 to 9 p.m. at The Beach at Yankee Point Marina in Lancaster, VA. No cover, 100 percent of bar proceeds go to the charity of the evening. Food truck on-site. Listen from your boat on Myer Creek or bring a beach chair.

through Jul 8

marc castelli Watermen portraits Show

Marc Castelli has been painting the workboats, watermen, and log canoes of the Chesapeake region for over 30 years. At Massoniart (113 South Cross Street) in Chestertown, MD.

1 explore the Smithsonian by canoe

Join Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) naturalists for a tour of the Rhode River. We’ll cover basic paddling and provide canoes and PFDs. While on the water we’ll look for wildlife and discuss SERC research. For ages 8 and older. A minimum of 1 adult per child is suggested. July 1, July 8, August 12, and August 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Advance registration required: email SERCOutreach@si.edu ($20 adults, $18 children 8-13 years).

1

July

St. michaels Fireworks

Fireworks in St. Michaels Harbor are scheduled for Saturday night at dusk (rain date July 2). Find a good spot in town, the maritime museum, or watch from a boat in the Miles River.

1 cBmm Big Band night

7 to 10 p.m. at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD. Gates open at 6, music starts at 7. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for an evening of music, dancing, and fireworks along the Miles River. Fireworks begin at dusk (rain date: July 2). Admission is $6 for CBMM members and $10 for non-members, with children ages 5 and under, plus active and retired military, free.

1 middle River Fireworks extravaganza

Presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County, the Middle River Fireworks Extravaganza begins at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.).

3 chesapeake Beach independence Day celebration Fireworks are viewable along the Fishing Creek bridge, Kellam’s field, Veteran’s Memorial Park, or at one of the town’s waterfront restaurants or resort. The fireworks are held at dusk. Rain date: July 8.

3 Rock hall Fireworks over the harbor

Fireworks over Rock Hall Harbor start at approximately 9:15 p.m. Presented by the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company. Please help keep this tradition going; donations are welcome.

3 Salute to cecil county Veterans

6 to 10 p.m. at North East Town Park in North East, MD. The official ceremony begins at 8 p.m. and includes the flag raising, Pledge of Allegiance, salute to the veterans, and more. Seating is on the grass and along the waterfront in the park; bring blankets and chairs.

4 Annapolis Fourth of July celebration

The Fourth of July Parade takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Fireworks are from 8 to 9:45 p.m. and will be launched from a barge in Annapolis Harbor. The Spa Creek Bridge will be closed to traffic from Eastport into Annapolis from 6 to 10 p.m.

4 Fourth of July Great American picnic and Fireworks

5 to 10 p.m. at Town Point Park along the downtown Norfolk, VA, waterfront. Fireworks show high above the Elizabeth River begins at 9:30 p.m. Free.

Do you have an upcoming event? Send the details to: editor@spinsheet.com

Chesapeake Calendar

July (cont.)

4 Fourth of July in Washington, Dc

The National Independence Day Parade takes place annually on July 4 at 11:45 a.m. on Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Street. The National Park Service hosts the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, typically starting around 9 p.m., which launches from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

4 newport news Fourth of July Stars in the Sky

Presented by the Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation at Victory Landing Park (50 25th St.) in Newport News, VA. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. and the night will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show. Admission and parking are free.

4 ocean city July Fourth Fireworks

Two locations: downtown at N. Division Street and yptown at Northside Park (125th Street). For both locations, bring a beach chair or blanket and arrive early. Music starts at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

4 Solomons Fourth of July Boat parade

12 p.m. start in Mill Creek (coordinates: 38.331264 by 76.450065) in Solomons, MD. Dress up your boat and passengers; patriotic music is a plus. Anyone can join! No need to register. Please obey all rules of the road and organizers ask that slower boats (less than 6 mph) stay at the end of the parade. Questions: email Melissa McCormick at pickncrabs@yahoo. com with subject line ’Boat Parade.’

4 Queen Anne’s county Annual Fireworks-Kent narrows

Fireworks can be viewed from the Kent Narrows and surrounding area. The celebration has moved to the parking area of the “old outlets” at 59 Piney Narrows Road. The parking/event area opens at 5 p.m. Food trucks, music, free parking, and fireworks at 9:20 p.m.

4 yorktown Fourth of July

Get ready for a full day of events at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, VA. Fireworks display over the York River at 9:15 p.m.

6 Amm tides and tunes Summer concert Series

Live music by Weird Science. 7 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s waterfront Mcnasby campus. Concerts are free; however, donations are gratefully accepted. Food and spirits are available for purchase. Beverage sales support the Museum’s education program. No outside alcohol is permitted. Bring a chair or blanket.

7-9 potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival

Held along the shores of the Potomac River in the charming Town of Leonardtown in St. Mary’s County, MD, the festival will feature fantastic jazz artists during the three-day weekend. Proceeds from this event go towards funding the nonprofit Friends of St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums.

8 east of maui - eastport yacht club chesapeake Standup challenge

Standup paddleboard races: seven-miler, 3.5-miler, and a one-mile “just for fun” race, followed by a fun party with food, drink, and live music. Hosted at Eastport Yacht Club.

13 yorktown Sounds of Summer concert Series

6:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, VA. Free. Live music by Brasswind. Guests are permitted to bring their own blankets, chairs, and small coolers. There will be a dance floor, friendly games of cornhole, and food trucks.

20 Amm tides and tunes Summer concert Series

Live music by Kevin Walker and the Jazz Chronicles. 7 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s waterfront Mcnasby campus.

25 Become an oyster Gardener

6 to 8 p.m. at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, VA. This seminar will give people of all ages the opportunity and knowledge to grow oysters alongside a dock, community pier, marina, or a waterfront business. Once grown, the adult oysters are returned to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for planting on sanctuary reefs. Registration required: $45 per person at cbf.org/ vaoystergardening

27 cmm Waterside concert Series

Live music by Lee Brice and Elle King. At the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. Tickets: calvertmarinemuseum.com

29 thomas point Shoal lighthouse tours

Tours depart from the Annapolis Maritime Museum at 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. The duration of the tour is 2 hours and includes a 30-minute boat ride to the lighthouse, a docent led tour of the interior, and a 30-minute return boat ride. Cost: $90. Reservations required: thomaspointshoallighthouse.org/tours

29-30 SmBc leonardtown Bash on the Bay Exhibition-only event with vintage race boats. In Leonardtown, MD. Southern Maryland Boat Club.

July Racing

7-8 eyc Boomerang Race. Hosted by Eastport YC, Annapolis, MD

8 moonlight triangle Race

Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.

14-16

Screwpile lighthouse challenge

Hosted by the Southern Maryland Sailing Association, Solomons, MD.

15 BcyA Race to Baltimore

Hosted by the Baltimore City Yacht Association. Starts off the Magothy River.

15 Dink Vail memorial Regatta

Hosted by Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, Norfolk, VA.

22-23 FByc one Design Regatta

Hosted by Fishing Bay Yacht Club, Deltaville, VA.

23 opcyc yankee Station Series 3

Hosted by Old Point Comfort Yacht Club, Hampton, VA.

26-28 Zim Sailing optimist team nationals

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club, Hampton, VA.

presented by

Chesapeake Calendar

presented by 29 hyc hampton Sprints

August (cont.)

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club.

30 Ayc two Bridge Fiasco

Hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club.

31 - Aug 3

2023 Simmons Boatworks optimist

uS national championship

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club.

August through Aug 31

Free Summer concerts in the park

Hosted by St. Michaels Community Center at Muskrat Park on the waterfront.

3 Amm tides and tunes Summer concert Series

Live music by Wheelhouse Rock Band. 7 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s waterfront Mcnasby campus. Concerts are free; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

3 yorktown Sounds of Summer concert Series

6:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, VA. Free. Live music by Slapnation. Guests are permitted to bring their own blankets, chairs, and small coolers. There will be a dance floor, friendly games of cornhole, and food trucks.

5 healthy parks healthy people paddle

Get your heart pumping and muscles moving as you paddle the Elk River. $20 per canoe; $15 per single kayak. Bring your own canoe or kayak for just $5 per person. Space is limited; call (410) 287-5333 to make reservations. Meet at 8:30 a.m.

5-6 national lighthouse Weekend at piney point lighthouse museum

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum in Piney Point, MD. Head to Piney Point for a fun and free open house weekend in recognition of National Lighthouse Day. Enjoy tours of the museum, Potomac River Maritime Exhibit, lighthouse tower, the Keeper�s Quarters, and grounds.

5-6 national lighthouse Weekend at St. clement’s island

Check out the St. Clement’s Island Museum before taking a boat ride out to St. Clement’s Island and the Blackistone Lighthouse. Tours of the lighthouse, a replica of the original lighthouse that stood at the same location, will be available free of charge. The last boat to the island will leave at 2 p.m. $7 per person for boat ride and museum admission.

6 Annapolis First Sunday Arts Festival

Sundays 11 to 5 p.m. May through November, thousands of visitors enjoy the festival featuring over 100 vendors, live music, and cafe dining along the first block of West Street in Annapolis.

10 Amm tides and tunes Summer concert Series

Live music by Loose Ties. 7 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s waterfront Mcnasby campus. Concerts are free; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

10 yorktown Sounds of Summer concert Series

6:30 to 9 p.m. at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, VA. Free. Live music by The Main Event Band. Guests are permitted to bring their own blankets, chairs, and small coolers. There will be a dance floor, friendly games of cornhole, and food trucks.

11-13 pirates & Wenches Weekend

Come by land or by sea to the town of Rock Hall, MD, for a town-wide family theme party you won’t soon forget.

12 explore the Smithsonian by canoe

Join Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) naturalists for a tour of the Rhode River. We’ll cover basic paddling and provide canoes and PFDs. While on the water we’ll look for wildlife and discuss SERC research. For ages 8 and older. A minimum of 1 adult per child is suggested. 9 to 11:30 a.m. Advance registration required: email SERCOutreach@si.edu ($20 adults, $18 children 8-13 years).

17 Amm tides and tunes

Summer concert Series

Live music by Mike McHenry Tribe. 7 p.m. at the Annapolis Maritime Museum’s waterfront Mcnasby campus. Concerts are free; however, donations are gratefully accepted.

19 children’s Day at St. clement’s island museum

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point, MD. Families can enjoy lots of kids’ activities including games, crafts, outdoor fun, and lots more throughout the day.

20 cmm Waterside music Series

Live music by The Concert: A Tribute to Abba. At the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, MD. Tickets: calvertmarinemuseum.com

31 lessons from America’s Flatboat era

7 to 9 p.m. in-person and virtual event at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, VA. Rinker Buck built a wooden flatboat from the bygone era of the early 1800s and to journey down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, illuminating the forgotten past of America’s first western frontier. A book signing follows the Q&A. Advance registration required at marinersmuseum.org. Cost: $10 for in-person, free to watch online.

August Racing through Aug 30

Ayc Wednesday night Racing Hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club, Annapolis, MD.

through Aug 11

Fawcett’s Friday night Beer can Series

Hosted by Eastport Yacht Club, Annapolis, MD.

through Aug 31

J/World thursday night Racing

One-design racing off Annapolis.

through Aug 3

2023 Simmons Boatworks optimist uS national championship

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club.

4-5 Smcm Governor’s cup 70-mile distance race from Annapolis to St. Mary’s City, MD, with legs starting at other southern points as well. Hosted by St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

5 plantation light Race

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club.

11 tAyc oxford Race

Hosted by Tred Avon Yacht Club, Oxford, MD.

11-13 hampton one Design nationals

Hosted by Hampton Yacht Club, Hampton, VA.

12 opcyc yankee Station Series 4

Hosted by Old Point Comfort Yacht Club, Hampton, VA.

12-13 oxford Regatta

Hosted by the Tred Avon Yacht Club, Oxford, MD.

13 ccVR Founders Race

Hosted by CCV Racing, Southern Chesapeake Bay.

18-20 uS Women’s match Racing championships

Hosted by Annapolis YC.

19-20 leo Wardrup memorial cape charles cup

Hosted by the Broad Bay Sailing Association.

26 opcyc yankee Station Series 5

Hosted by Old Point Comfort Yacht Club, Hampton, VA.

Taking the Leap to Racing! Meet Allan Cranska

New sailors sometimes wonder how to get started in the sport. Professional sailing schools are a good place to start, but often a new sailor’s introduction comes via an invitation from family, friends, and/or mentors. Such was the case for Allan Cranska who picked up his basic sailing skills cruising with his brother and eased into casual racing with friends. Here Allan shares some of his sailing experiences in his own words.

Sailing with family and friends

I started getting involved with sailboat racing about two and a half years ago, at age 57, after my family relocated to the Eastport section of Annapolis. My good friend, Dave Cyphers, had been casually racing aboard Eric Richardson’s Schock 35, Blinding Fury, and I got connected with the boat and its crew through Dave. I started as an alternate crewmember and became more assimilated into the group by doing frostbite racing during the cold weather months.

Although racing was new to me, I wasn’t a complete novice. I had learned the basics and gained some cruising experience decades ago with my brother,

Jeff, aboard his 1970, 30-foot Coronado. We never did any racing; it was strictly casual sailing with a few overnight trips. Jeff was based out of Cape St. Claire, so we would start at the mouth of the Magothy River and go right into the Bay. The biggest concern was not to get run over by a tanker in the shipping channel! Racing out of Annapolis Harbor has offered many new challenges.

Racing… it’s not for wimps!

The first thing that I noticed with racing out of Annapolis was the congestion of boats, especially while preparing for the start of the race. I had not been accustomed to the “close calls” and total awareness that you need to have, whether it’s at the start, going around marks, or just maneuvering during a race. When we’re racing, usually I trim the jib. After this year’s Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) Spring Race to Oxford, I was fortunate to be offered a lot of time at the helm while delivering the boat back to Annapolis.

Racing is definitely a “tougher” sport than I thought before getting into it. It’s much more physically demanding than people who aren’t familiar with it may think. There is always something going on that will keep you on your toes, and, from a mental standpoint, constant changes to conditions and tactics will keep your mind moving non-stop. It’s not for wimps!

If someone were interested in learning to sail, what would you tell them?

Don’t be afraid to try. It helps to have a good base of knowledge to build on, so take formal training or have a mentor that can help get you up to speed. You’ll find, as I did, that other sailors will be eager to help you get started. In addition to the friends I’ve made on Blinding Fury, my Eastport neighbor, Patrick Lavender, who is a sailor, allowed me to borrow his foul weather gear for frostbiting. I ended up purchasing it from him, and now I have some nice Musto gear!

What are your future sailing plans? This season I am crewing regularly with Blinding Fury in Eastport Yacht Club’s Friday night beer can races. We will sail in additional distance races and charity events this season, and I will frostbite again during the winter.

I continue to learn and improve every time I go out, and I use Google and YouTube to teach myself terminology and racing tactics, etc. Thanks to Eric Richardson and the entire Blinding Fury crew who have welcomed me and been tolerant and open minded about bringing in someone who had never raced before. They continue to help and support me learning “on the fly.”

As told to Beth Crabtree

# At the helm of Bliding Fury on the return from the Spring Race to Oxford.

# Allan borrowed this awesome Musto gear from a neighbor to get started frostbite racing.

What to Wear: Hands and Feet

New sailors do not need to invest a lot of money to get started sailing. When it comes to gear, you can probably borrow from your friends or your sailing school much of what you need to give the sport a try. However, gloves and shoes are two items that you may want to invest in early on. Why? Because well-fitting gloves and shoes make the experience more comfortable and safer, and unlike lifejackets or foul weather gear, which are easy to borrow, shoes and gloves tend to conform to the owner’s body for a custom fit.

Concerning footwear, look for shoes that have good traction, protect your toes, and don’t leave black marks on the boat deck. You probably already have a pair that meets these requirements. Keens, Vans, and Sperrys are some examples. A good fit is important for both comfort and safety. You may need to move quickly

on wet, slanted surfaces, so a secure shoe with good traction is critical. You may spy a few seasoned sailors wearing flip-flops or going barefoot. We don’t recommend that, especially for a beginner.

For your hands, gloves will give you a better grip on ropes (sailors call them lines, or sheets if they control sails) and to protect against rope burn. Many styles are available. You don’t need gloves designed exclusively for sailing, but you may want to give them a try. Costs range from about $20 to $50. Most sailors choose short-finger gloves, which leave fingertips uncovered. For the winter, you’ll find many sailors switch to full-finger gloves. In between those two options are gloves that fully cover three fingers and are shortfinger on the thumb and index finger (see photo). If you’re not yet committed to regular sailing, ask if there’s an extra pair onboard that might fit you.

New sailors or those returning to sailing may want to seek instruction or coaching at a sailing school or club. Many such organizations exist on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. They offer certifications for beginners, returning sailors hoping to brush up on seamanship skills, cruisers seeking bareboat chartering or navigation experience, and racers wanting to hone their skills. The following is a sampling of schools and clubs that offer sailing instruction on the Chesapeake. For a more complete list of schools offering certifications outside this region, visit US Sailing or American Sailing.

• Annapolis Sailing School annapolissailing.com

• Annapolis Naval Sailing Association ansa.org

• Blue Water Sailing School bwss.com

• Captain In You Sailing Schools, Inc. captaininyou.com

• DC Sail dcsail.org

• J/World Annapolis jworldannapolis.com

• SailTime sailtime.com/annapolis

Find a Sailing School art

• Sail Solomons sailsi.com

• West River Sailing Club learn2sailwrsc.com

Reeling in Invasive Fish in the Bay

We all know and love blue crabs, but have you heard of blue catfish? If you are like me, Governor Moore’s request for a commercial fishery disaster declaration seemed out of the blue. However, it cited severe economic and ecological damages caused by blue catfish and other invasive species.

“Blue catfish are a threat to the ecosystem balance and biodiversity goals that people generally hold near and dear,” says David Sikorski, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association Mary-

By Thomas Crabtree

land (CCA). “As a predator, blue cats are competing with native species like the striped bass and eating other important species like blue crabs, mussels, clams, and smaller fish like perch.”

If the disaster declaration is approved, it will qualify Maryland for federal assistance to address the declining population and economic value of several marquee commercial fishery species, such as blue crab and striped bass.

Blue catfish are native to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio River basins. They were introduced to the Virginia waters of the Chesapeake in the 1960s to the 1980s to create a recreational fishery. Now, they are found in nearly every major tributary of the Bay.

Blue catfish populations grow uncontrolled because they have few predators, eat almost anything, and have high reproduction rates. Humans can slow the population growth by eating them, a solution beneficial both to humans and the ecosystem. Increased consumption of blue catfish decreases their population, reducing economic and ecological harm.

Most of Maryland’s fishery policies aim to grow demand for blue catfish. Watermen can catch unlimited amounts of

blue catfish, unlike many other fish in the Chesapeake that have a conservation limit. The state also established two purchasing initiatives: one connecting suppliers with correctional facilities, schools, and hospitals, and another providing funding for watermen and farmers to directly supply food banks with blue catfish and other products.

Despite government efforts to increase commercial harvesting rates, a controversial regulation stands in the way of major industry growth.

“For blue catfish, there is a unique inspection requirement that increases the cost of processing these wild caught fish and therefore impacts our ability to eat our way out of the problem,” said Sikorski. “There are still imported catfish products (swai) available on the open market that local restaurants use because of their price point, undermining the ability of local fishermen and the local economy to benefit from the sale of massive amounts of blue catfish.”

The inspection issue stems from a provision within the 2008 Farm Bill which moved the jurisdiction of inspecting catfish from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The change significantly increased costs for processors and watermen and required producers to adhere to logistically difficult inspections. Catfish are the only species of fish inspected by the USDA.

# Blue catfish are an invasive species that have dramatically increased and spread in the James River and surrounding region. Photo by Matt Rath/Chesapeake Bay Program

Discover it all at Herringtonharbour.com

Proponents of the change argued the USDA is better equipped to perform food safety inspections and ensure consumer safety than the FDA. Support also comes from farm-raised catfish producers, which differ from the wild-caught producers of the Chesapeake. Catfish farmers argue the regulation makes domestic producers more competitive against foreign imports that do not meet the USDA’s higher inspection standards.

Changing the regulation at the federal level is complicated. Previous attempts to do so have been unsuccessful. The Maryland General Assembly passed a resolution urging the federal government to give inspection jurisdiction back to the FDA, which was applauded by then-current Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary, Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation also supports moving the jurisdiction back to the FDA because they believe the USDA inspections are “a significant impediment

to getting a robust commercial catfish industry up and running in Maryland.”

Outside of the complicated commercial regulations, recreational fishing can help control populations. The Maryland DNR promotes targeting blue catfish. The agency encourages catch and kill and discourages catch and release for blue and flathead catfish. Popular fishing methods are bait-casting and bottomfishing, and using fresh bait such as cut fish, shrimp, chicken liver, and processed catfish is recommended by the department.

According to Sikorski, the best way you can help address this problem in your dayto-day life is to “eat blue catfish, go fishing for blue catfish, and spread the word with your community.” So, the next time you find yourself fishing or just planning your next meal, consider blue catfish.

For more information: check out chesapeakebluecatfish.org for blue catfish recipes you can try out this summer or University of Maryland Extension’s publication on eating blue catfish, extension.umd.edu/ resource/chesapeake-bay-blue-catfishinvasive-delicious-and-nutritious

# Chef Michael Stavlas of Hellas restaurant in Millersville, MD, prepares blue catfish, the subject of a “catch and cook” effort to fight the invasive species. Photo by Jenna Valente/Chesapeake Bay Program

Cruising out of Solomons

Pelicans and fighter jets! If you sail into Solomons, the town where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake, you will probably see one or both of these airborne spectacles. The pelicans are there to remind northern Bay sailors that they’re entering the Southern Bay; the jets signal Naval Air Station Patuxent River sits on the southern side of the river. Anyone who sails up or down the Chesapeake inevitably spends at least a night on “the Pax,” as it’s the halfway point between Havre de Grace and Hampton as well as a sailing-friendly town that’s very much worth the visit.

Solomons is home to a myriad of excellent and charming marinas, most of them along Back Creek—the protected side of the “island” (really a peninsula) they call Solomons—a body of water that’s easy to navigate by dinghy and town that’s easy to discover by foot or bicycle.

If you happen to stop into Safe Harbor Zahnisers Marina, visit our friend Jeff Carlsen at Sail Solomons. He’s a cruising sailor who can give you excellent advice on nearby anchorages, as well as instruction if you need to hone your sailing skills. If you come upon Jeff and his team at a regional boat show, you may run into other Solomons sailors working the booth or shooting the breeze, such as Elliott and Alexa Peterson.

The Petersons, who are active members of the Southern Maryland Sailing Center (located on Main Street), cruise their Dufour 40 Stingray out of their home on Mill Creek in Solomons. They can’t quite quit their racing habit, but they mostly cruise these days. We asked them for a suggested three-day itinerary in a typical summer southerly with six to 10 knots of breeze.

Elliott says, “One we like is St Mary’s City on the St Mary’s River (at the mouth of the Potomac)—one day down, one day layover, and one day back. St Mary’s River horseshoe bend is the place. It has good depth and a nice breeze, plus it’s a short dinghy ride to shore for a walk around campus.

“Check to see when the bakery on St Mary’s campus is open. Put in your order if they are open: bread breakfast pastries, cookies, and even sandwiches!”

Calvert Marine Museum

If you like lighthouses, boats, boat rides on historic vessels, history, marine life—and big concerts!—the Calvert Marine Museum (CMM) has something for you. One might expect exhibits and history at a marine museum, but big concerts? The CMM Waterside Music Series brings in big acts and an impressively sized audience for its summer concert series to raise funds for the museum. Upcoming concerts include Lee Brice and Elle King (July 27), The Concert, a Tribute to ABBA (August 20), and Brett Young (August 27).

If loud music sounds a bit too exciting for your cruising adventure, we recommend taking a stroll on the museum campus, visiting the museum, and checking out the Drum Point Lighthouse on a non-concert day. It’s a must-see for the entire family and walkable from downtown. Find activities and exhibits at calvertmarinemuseum.com

# Waterfront fun in summer at the Calvert Marine Museum.

Photo courtesy of CMM

As for a five-day itinerary, Elliott says, “Five days might involve intermediate stops on the way south to Cape Charles, but you could get there with one long day, rent a golf cart when you get there, check out the beach, the museum, and the Irish bar. Easily a couple of days could be spent there.”

The Petersons recommend the Cape Charles city anchorage “with floating docks, very good depths, and well-marked channels,” but warn that the currents run strong. (See the August SpinSheet for more about sailing into Cape Charles; the Cape Charles Cup runs August 18-20).

When back home in Solomons and asked by transients sailing in the local waters, Elliott always tells them, “Avoid the up-the-river sail on weekends. The powerboats like it too much, so you will get ‘waked’ around.” (He and his wife are lucky enough to be retired and enjoy weekday cruising.)

We reached out to Captain Aram Nersesian, the Petersons’ neighbor on Mill Creek and owner of Schooner Heron Charters, what he would recommend for sailing out of or near Solomons.

He said, “It’s hard to get anywhere from Solomons in a three-day weekend, especially with a southerly for the whole three days, because you can either use that one day to hang out somewhere or have to motor back against it. If someone comes to Solomons and has three days to spend, I would suggest they take advantage of the Patuxent River.”

Captain Aram’s Plan A: “A sail or motor up the Pax to beautiful St. Leonard’s Creek, to a very protected anchorage and a dinghy ride to Vera’s White Sands Restaurant, if they don’t want to cook aboard.”

In an interview a few years back, Carlsen also recommended St. Leonard’s Creek and farther upriver, Battle Creek.

Captain Aram’s Plan B: “Run back down the river to Cuckold Creek, anchoring to the south as you come into the creek, with a dinghy ride to Clark’s Landing Restaurant if so desired.”

Carlsen also recommended Cuckhold Creek and suggested anchoring in the middle to avoid the sand bar (he noted that even deep-draft boats can make the trip). Nearby Myrtle Point Park and Greenwell State Park make this creek a destination for family cruisers.

Racing sailors enjoy July in Solomons when they sail into town for the Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge (July 14-16; see page 71). If you happen to cruise into town that weekend, expect the restaurants to fill up early! (Learn more at screwpile.com).

# Guest hoist the sails on a summer day aboard the Schooner Heron in Solomons.

Photo by Capt. Aram Nersesian

# Southern Maryland Sailing Association member Alexa Peterson sailing the Dufour 40 Stingray on the Pax River.

Photo by Elliott Peterson

# Captain Aram Nersesian’s Plan A, St. Leonard’s Creek, and Plan B, Cuckhold Creek, on the Patuxent River.

Stories of the Century

Welcome to the Club, Bacon Sails and Marine Supplies!

We here at the SpinSheet World Headquarters are thrilled to announce a new partnership: longtime SpinSheet supporter Bacon Sails and Marine Supplies will now sponsor the SpinSheet Century Club! It makes perfect sense as our Century Club members get out on the water more than anyone we know and need sails and marine supplies more than anyone we know. Besides, Bacon’s is like a candy store for boaters. Next time you stop into the store (at 116 Legion Avenue in Annapolis), make sure to tell them you’re a Century Club member and say, “Thank you!”

Now that we’ve passed the summer solstice, Century Club members are getting serious about logging their 100 days on the water before the summer slips away. Here’s what a sampling of club members are up to lately:

# Jayne Durden (78 days) won her class with this spirited team aboard Happy Place at the Herrington Harbour Women’s Regatta. Photo by SpinSheet

# James Ronayne (93 days) in his native habitat in Annapolis.

# We’re used to seeing George Hernandez’s great Southern Bay sailing photos, so this one was a change of pace! George is at 48 days.

# Stefanie Brady (50 days) out for a spring sail.

# Ken Vinson (49 days) racing with the Little Creek Sailing Association.

# David Sites, our top-scoring Centurion at 167 days, took this photo of Gazela next to the Schooner Woodwind for scale.

Cruising the Chesapeake

I TINERARIES , T I p S , AND Mo RE

Acruiser could spend months, maybe years, exploring the Chesapeake Bay. From secluded gunkholes to small waterfront towns to marinas in big cities, cruisers of all stripes should be able to satisfy their itch for adventure on the Chesapeake. On these pages three seasoned Bay sailors name a few of their favorite destinations, and we offer a few tips for planning a group cruise and a couple of sample itineraries. Looking for a longer cruise? Find an extended version of this article with a 12-day Southern Bay itinerary at spinsheet.com

Six cruiser-approved destinations to try this season: Susan Theuns, who sails the Bay and beyond, is a member of the Corinthians Chesapeake Bay Fleet. She says, “I have sailed in New England and to Bermuda, on four continents and the Caribbean, as well as all sorts of places in between, but I love the Chesapeake and its endless rivers and tributaries to explore.”

“One of my favorite anchorages is Eagle Cove off the Magothy River, especially in the early fall when the summer crowds are gone or mid-week in-season. It is reasonably sheltered and has idyllic scenes of swans, horses, and other wildlife. I find it very serene, and we have often had the entire cove to ourselves.

“Another hurricane hole anchorage that we enjoy (with or without storms), is Mill Creek off the Great Wicomico River. During Hurricane Maria, we anchored there for three days waiting for the storm to pass. It is quiet and peaceful for an overnight, and we have never encountered any jellyfish while swimming there—be mindful of the oyster beds, though.”

Greg Shields, member of the Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club and a seasoned Bay cruiser says, “It’s hard to pick favorites, but here are three of my go-to spots.”

“Onancock is a quiet town on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The marina is fine and has amenities for transients but watch out not to anchor too close to the channel; there’s a big gravel barge that comes to the Onancock pier day and night. The Corner Bakery is the best bakery down south for morning coffee and sweets!

“Reedville at Cockrell Creek: A great anchorage because it is ‘urban,’ but very quiet. Chitterchats is a great ice cream shop. Plus, you can get a ferry to Tangier Island.

“Fleets Bay: There’s a host of creeks to explore off Fleets Bay (north of the Rappahannock). Antipoison Creek off Little Bay has a beautiful beach. If you’re lucky, you might be able to score some softshell crabs or oysters from the local watermen’s docks or the seafood company. Dymer, Dividing, and Indian Creeks shouldn’t be missed.”

Weeklong Middle Bay Cruise America’s Boating Club Wilmington, June

2023

Day 1 North Point Marina in Rock Hall, MD

Day 2 Rhode River off the West River; anchor out

Day 3 Herrington Harbour Marina

Day 4 Little Choptank, Hudson Creek; anchor out

Day 5 Oxford, MD; slips or anchor out

Day 6 Lay Day in Oxford; tour Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and visit town

Day 7 Dunn Cove off Harris Creek in the Choptank, anchor out

Day 8 Port Annapolis; catered dinner and roasting of all minor mishaps during the week

# Rich Tull’s Patriot Dream at Eagle Cove, between Sillary Bay and the Gibson Island Yacht Club off the Magothy River. Note the horse farm in the background. Photo by Susan Theuns

Shields, who sails out of the Southern Bay, adds, “By the way, our friends from the West River are always amazed at how much cleaner the water is down this way.”

Finally, Carol Hanson, who has been sailing the Bay for more than 30 years, took time from cruising with her husband and America’s Boating Club Wilmington members (see above photo and itinerary on page 41), to add this about a Middle Bay favorite:

“We are currently enjoying lovely Harness Creek on the South River

It is beautiful and peaceful on a cool, comfortable June evening. We are rafted with two other boats and are sharing some hors d’oeuvres as we discuss taking an early morning swim and/or a walk in Quiet Waters Park tomorrow.”

Where, how long, and with whom?

To begin planning your cruise, you’ll start, of course, by considering the location of your homeport, number of days you can get away, and whether you want familiar waters or to explore a new waterway. Make the itineraries here your own by choosing what works for you. Sailing alone can be peaceful, but travelling with others allows you to share the fun and pool your collective knowledge when the unexpected inevitably occurs.

Slips and hooks

One decision you can’t avoid is whether to grab a slip at a marina or find an anchorage and drop the hook. Quiet coves and peaceful gunkholes are ideal to launch a paddlecraft, take a swim, raft with friends, and relax out on the open water. With a boat-ready grill clamped to the rail, you can have a fresh-cooked meal without heating up the saloon.

On the other hand, reserving a slip at a marina offers the opportunity to take a shower without tapping into your onboard water supply, do laundry, walk

the dog, let the kids run, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Why not get the best of both worlds? Experienced Bay cruisers often plan a mix of slips and hooks on any cruise longer than a weekend. You’ll see that in the itineraries provided here.

Port captains

If you’re cruising with a group, you may lighten the load for all by assigning a port captain for each stop. If you’re dropping the hook, this person

can determine prior to departure the best spots for setting a secure anchor, destinations for dinghy excursions, and themes for docktails and potluck dinners.

When the group plans to secure marina slips, the port captain can identify such marinas, research respective amenities, and ask for group rates. He or she can also identify restaurants within walking distance and secure pavilion reservations for group gatherings at the marina or a local park. If you sail to an urban area, the port captain can take on researching museums, professional sporting events, and concerts for your group to attend.

We encourage you to enjoy all that the Bay has to offer this cruising season. Share your favorite itineraries, destinations, and photos with SpinSheet by emailing beth@spinsheet.com #

Three-Day Middle Bay Cruise, suggested by kathleen kryza

Day 1 Anchor at Eagle Cove on the Magothy River

Day 2 Baltimore; Harbor East Marina, walk/cab to a ball game

Day 3 Rock Hall, MD; with a slip at either Haven Harbour North or South, borrow bicycles and ride to town, have dinner at the newly renovated Waterman’s Restaurant

# Sailing Club of the Chesapeake boats at Drum Point anchorage on the Wye River. The Wye is known for its idyllic cruising destinations and is home to Wye Island, a state preserve.

# America’s Boating Club Wilmington rafted in Harness Creek in June. Photo by Terry Butler

Lessons for 10-Years-Ago John

By John Herlig

The squall came out of nowhere. I was off watch but felt it as it fell over the Beneteau 50 I was helping deliver. Out in the cockpit my friend Peter was hand-steering as the boat heeled dramatically in the wind. There’s a lot of sail area on a boat that size, so we were certainly overpowered—but

only for as long as the squall would last. I took a seat and looked at him as he struggled to keep the boat off the wind.

“This is a good one,” I said with a smile. He grinned back. We both knew it wouldn’t last long. We chatted through the shifting winds until the squall had passed over and conditions

returned to normal. As it faded away, it occurred to me that I wished I could go back in time to let 10-years-ago John know that squalls pass, that not every increase of wind meant that an epic storm was upon him. There are a lot of things that I wish I could tell 10-years-ago John.

# The author in Allan’s Pensacola, Bahamas, aboard Ave del Mar.

Photo by Captain Keath Nupuf

While I may not have been a pessimist, I envisioned every anchorage to be filled with hidden, uncharted dangers and dozens too many boats. I would think, What if I get in there and there’s no room? Yet every time I got in there, there was room, somehow. I lacked the experience to know that there is always a solution: a spot to drop the hook or room to turn around and leave again in search of better fortune.

I’d like to let rookie-John know that every fuel dock will not prove itself to be impossible to attain, that there’s room for his boat and plentiful water under the keel. If not, it wouldn’t be there as a fuel dock. What if there are no cleats is a fool’s narrative, I would tell him. There will be cleats, or pilings, or a person to grab a line. If these aren’t there, another solution will make itself evident. You know how to bail out. You can leave.

Every thump heard underway used to mean that I’d breeched the hull and the ship was about to go down. Calm yourself, noob, I would whisper to the old me. Fiberglass is tougher than you think. You’re going to be okay.

Other lessons are less dramatic but no less important. No, you are not going to bake bread on an offshore passage, I would

tell the old me I really thought I was. It’s easy. Well, it’s easy until it’s not. Then, it’s miserable, because you forsook the store-bought bread that stays fresh for days because you had to prove yourself, didn’t you? Bobbing about in Mother Ocean is no time to prove much beyond your ability to smear peanut butter on an apple slice (or a fresh piece of bread). Buy the bread, John.

# Ave del Mar in Norman’s Cay, Bahamas.

And that dinghy that you insist on rowing? You may want to get your outboard running, because you can’t row everywhere you want to go. Sure, it looks good on paper. No finicky motor means no gasoline to store on the foredeck, no water in the fuel or fouled spark plug to worry you. What good does that do if you can’t go anywhere? It isn’t always easy to row into the trade winds. Perhaps you should prove less and dinghy more. There’s no shame in an outboard.

Vigilance on electric consumption is good, I would tell the former me, but settle down. You don’t have refrigeration. You don’t own a television. Other than navigation lights, a VHF radio, and maybe some music in the background, what do you plan to do with all that extra juice? Silly old John wouldn’t even charge a phone at night. No sun? No charging! was the battle cry. But battle cries are for soldiers, and who decided I was at war? Oh, I did. Or he did, old John. It’s prestigious territory. I was following the greats.

The lessons aren’t over. Of this I am sure, but like Atlantic squalls to a southbound sailor, the lessons come less frequently, with less intensity, and don’t last as long as they used to. Entering the Anguilla Channel on approach to St. Martin, I was on edge, convinced that there may be some weird thing that everybody else knew and that I had somehow missed, some common knowledge that you can’t enter the channel where I did or anchor in the bay where I intended to. I can’t make those thoughts stop any more than I can end a squall, but I’ve learned to stare them down, to understand that caution is good, but the voices are often wrong. Everything will be okay once I get in there

If not, there’s always something else you can do. #

About the Author: John Herlig lives aboard his 1967 Rawson cutter Ave del Mar and teaches at Cruisers University. Find him on Instagram @sailing.ave.

Charter Notes

Discovering Mallorca

By Eric Vohr and Michaela Urban

Màrmol is the Spanish word for marble and cala means cove. Put them together and you have Cala Màrmols or Marble Cove, our first destination on a recent sailing trip on the Spanish island of Mallorca. If the name alone is not reason enough to pack your bags and head to this magical island off the Mediterranean coast of Barcelona, Spain, I don’t know what is.

Cala Màrmols lives up to its name. Surrounded by 60-foothigh marble cliffs that cradle a pristine bay of powdery white sand and water so ethereally blue that words cannot describe it.

My family and I (my one-year-old daughter Sarah was also onboard) were joined by good friend and Chesapeake Bay seasoned sailor Ian Craig. While Sarah and Michaela built sandcastles on the beach, Ian and I explored the extensive trail network behind it. Our hike took us through scented juniper, mastic bushes, and Aleppo pines and provided majestic views of the historic Mediterranean and Cabrera Island, also on our list of destinations.

Most sailing trips in Mallorca start in Palma, as did ours. The ancient, southfacing port city has an amazing medieval quarter with narrow streets that wander through ornate, ancient fountains, colorful outdoor restaurants, and historic architecture—the most famous and prominent being the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, which dates to the 13th century and overlooks Palma’s expansive bay.

We charted with Navigare Yachting, within walking distance from the heart of Palma. They delivered a beautiful and brand new 2022 Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 and provided seamless services, which even included some well-received welcome gifts, including a nicely prepared

snack plate with local specialties, some cold beer, and sparkling wine.

After exploring a number of other spectacular calas on Mallorca’s southern coast, we headed out to Mallorca’s famed Cabrera Archipelago, which lies due south about 12 nautical miles from Màrmols. This national park includes 19 islands and islets. The anchorage lies in a well-protected bay on the north side of the main island (directly across from the mainland), which

Our goal was to try to spot one of the elusive loggerhead turtles that call this eco heaven their home. Sadly, we had no luck. However, gliding with snorkel and fins through the abundant, lush, flowing, green sea grass offered a relaxing break from the often intense Mallorca sun.

After our refreshing swim, we climbed the small hill that leads to Fort Cabrera, a 16th-century stone structure that sits on one of the highest points of the island.

From here we had a remarkable view of Cabrera and the mainland while enjoying the last warm sun rays of the day.

In addition to the Fort, another of the main attractions on Cabrera is the Cova Blava (Blue Cave), where the late afternoon sun combined with the incredibly clear Cabrera waters create an otherworldly blue light show.

provides safe haven in all wind directions. This is especially important in these waters, since winds can shift significantly. One must reserve a mooring ball and obtain the necessary park permits, but the website is easy to navigate.

After a few hours sailing close-hauled, we were eager to step ashore and stretch our legs. We were welcomed by some very knowledgeable park rangers who provided maps and information about the islands, as well as guided tours by kayak and foot.

Following the rangers’ advice, we hiked around the eastern shore of the protected harbor and found several nice beaches. After picking a beautiful, flat, sandy spot (my daughter making the call by pointing and saying “dis da”—her only two words at that time), we unpacked a picnic lunch and did some snorkeling.

It requires a rather long dinghy ride into relatively open waters, so check the weather and sea status, as this could be a rough ride if seas are up, and disastrous if a storm blows in. We arrived late in the day, the best time to see the cave; the sun fully illuminated the cerulean waters and surrounded us in a near cosmic blue.

After Cabrera, we headed west to explore some of the coastline between Palma and Sant Elm, which is on the southwest coast of Mallorca. As on the south-central coast, there are many beautiful calas, beaches, and bays here. We also saw much more development in this part of the coast, which was not surprising given its close proximity to the capital.

One cala we especially liked was on the west side of Punta Negra, just six nautical miles west of Palma. This makes a convenient and lovely first night’s anchorage if you’re running late after provisioning and doing all those unexpected things one has to do before

# The author enjoys the view from Dragonera Island on a hike to the old La Trapa monastery.

setting sail on the first day out. The sandy bottom in this particular cala had great holding, and the anchorage was not too crowded.

Farther west along the southern coast as you round the westernmost tip of Mallorca, just opposite the famed “dragon-shaped” island of Dragonera, lies one of our favorite places we visited: Sant Elm. We enjoyed this little seaside village so much, we decided to spend some time there post-sail and rented a small villa just off the beach called Universal Aquamarin Beach Houses. There was plenty of room for baby and crew and a very nice semi-private pool.

This quaint village had a number of beautiful beaches to explore, as well as herds of feral goats that roam the village and beach from time to time. One of its most famous attractions is a rigorous and fantastic hike in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, which led to the ruins of La Trapa Monastery. If you’re looking for some relaxing, post-sail chill time, Sant Elm should be on the top of your list. #

Learn more:

• Navigare Yachting in Palma de Mallorca: navigare-yachting.com

• Cabrera Island: intranet.caib.es/rescab7front (Reserve a mooring ball and get a park permit before visiting).

• Cuevas de Artà: cuevasdearta.com

• Universal Aquamarin Beach Houses in Sant Elm: universalbeachhotels.com/en/hoteles/universal-aquamarin-beach-houses

These sailboat charter companies specialize in sailing destinations such as the Chesapeake Bay, Northeast United States, Northwest United States, South America, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and South Pacific. Contact them and book your charter dream vacation today!

# Cala Marmols. Photos by Michaela Urban

Attention Chesapeake Bay sailing clubs: share your club news and events in SpinSheet’s Club Notes section by sending a 350-word write-up and one or more clear photos of smiling faces or pretty boats to beth@spinsheet.com. Thanks to Club Notes section sponsor, YaZu Yachting! Find them at yazuyachting.com and on Facebook.

There’s a New Club on the Bay

Early in 2022 the residents of BayWoods of Annapolis, a continuing care retirement community, decided we wanted to better utilize our fabulous Chesapeake Bay-front location on the Back Creek peninsula. The solution was determined to be forming a yacht club and providing a variety of water related activities.

The BayWoods Yacht Club (BWYC) came into being in May of last year and became an instant hit with a sold-out Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) sailing event, a big-boat three-

By Dick Kammann

day charter, a radio-controlled demonstration in the inside pool with a social afterwards, and well attended monthly meetings.

Our waterfront location and facilities on Bay Front Drive (fronting Bembe Beach Road) and directly across the street from Port Annapolis Marina make us a community that was just begging for a yacht club organization. Our facilities include an inside pool, large hall, and outside patio overlooking the Bay for meetings and socials. A long pier and deck are perfect for socials and waterborne

activities including radio-controlled sailboat races.

The residents chose five areas of activities and elected a commodore, fleet captains for each of the areas, and specialists in communications and video/presentations. They are as follows: commodore, Bob Hawley; fleet captain-CRAB, Ed Paglee; fleet captaincharters/rentals, Dick Kammann; fleet captain-radio controlled sailing, Ken Rose; fleet captain-canoe/kayak/SUPs, Tom McGovern; fleet captain-socials and communications, Liz Freedlander; and video/presentation productions, Beth Mainiero.

2023 activities are in full swing. We enjoyed CRAB outings in May and June. We also have a three-day charter cruise to Rock Hall and St. Michaels, MD, scheduled for July, with day sails planned for a 43-foot charter boat and Annapolis Sailing School 24-foot Rainbows.

Our monthly meetings will include presentations by various sailing and environmental organizations around the Bay and sailing videos of interest to all. Our activities will also feature socials on our fabulous waterfront grounds.

# BayWoods Yacht Club members Dick and Marianne Kammann during a 2022 club charter cruise.

The Corinthians: Memorial Day and Spring Cruises

By Kathleen Kryza and Jack Naglieri

We began writing this article from the lovely Sassafras River while aboard our sailboat, Dolce Vita. Forty-three of our fellow Corinthians were there with us, and it was midweek of our annual Spring Cruise. But more on this later…

Starting last year, the Corinthians Chesapeake Bay Fleet participated in an annual, multi-cruising club event that’s been held for 24 years over the Memorial Day Weekend. Eastport Yacht Club organized the event which included the Corinthians along with the Chesapeake Bristol Club, Tartan Club, and the Magothy River Sailing Association. Boaters and guests converged in Granary Creek in the beautiful Wye River. We had two days of comradery including games and contests and concluded with a Sunday night barbeque featuring the fabulous and famous George’s barbeque chicken and embellished with an enormous table filled with potluck delights from all of us.

A few days after this event, we reprovisioned and were off to the Corinthians’ June 2-11 “Lite and Breezy and (hopefully) Easy Spring Cruise.” The focus of the annual weeklong cruise is getting in lots of sail time, traveling to new sites, and visiting favorite places around the Bay.

This year’s cruise began at Conquest Beach off the Chester River. Our funfilled first gathering started with the traditional Dark ‘n Stormy Happy Hour, followed by a potluck dinner. Alas, our after-dinner board games came to an abrupt halt when a crack and the ensuing squall found us all scrambling into our dinghies to get to our boats for the rest of the evening. The next morning, we traveled to Rock Hall where we gathered for another happy hour where we greeted and got to meet new members and guests. We had a lovely dinner at the newly remodeled and reopened Waterman’s Restaurant. The Corinthians highly recommend a visit when you are next in Rock Hall. MD.

We moved on to Worton Creek and Dolce Vita hosted an onboard Feelin’ Groovy 1960s-themed singalong, which included some spontaneous dancing and percussion playing. The evening was punctuated by a stunning sunset and the arrival of the spectacular Strawberry full moon. Thirty-plus people aboard may have caused water to splash over our transom, but the fun was well worth the morning clean up.

And that led us to the Sassafras. Organized by port captains Denice Gill and Nancy Davis, a lay day there made time

for a delicious dinner by Amy and Joan from sistersbychance.com. The day also included the special treat of a yoga class led by our cruise committee chair, Janice Cannon. No cruise would be complete without Rich Hull leading us all in his rendition of “It’s Dark ‘n Stormy Time.”

From here, we headed to Hart Miller Island. Most of us had never been there before. We learned from the passionate park ranger, Robin, that Hart-Miller Island is a 1100-acre island. It was created when two islands, Hart and Miller, were joined by the construction of a dike in 1981, which was eventually filled with dredge material from Baltimore Harbor, creating Hart-Miller Island. Sailors note that the anchorage is only accessible from the northern side of the island.

While the two of us had to hop off after Hart-Miller, the Corinthians continued on to Bodkin Creek and then to Baltimore, where Ed Burke arranged for a final evening at an Oriole’s baseball game. We’d say this year’s cruise hit a home run!

Our next event will be the “Follow the Fireworks” cruise on July 1-4 which will include stops at St. Michaels, Plain Dealing Creek, Oxford, and Cambridge for a final evening of fireworks and fun. If you are interested in joining along as a guest, contact Woody Leach at (240) 606-8059.

We currently have 140 members in the Chesapeake Bay Fleet. If you are interested in joining the Corinthians, you can find more information about our group at thecorinthians.org.

# Beach yoga led by Janice Cannon

# Sharon Murray and Bill Reichert, Feelin’ Groovy

CHESSS: Shorthanded Cruising and Racing

The Chesapeake Shorthanded Sailing Society (CHESSS) had a busy spring season. CHESSS’s annual spring meeting, the Gather and Gab raftup, was held despite foggy conditions. After eight years with his steady hand on the tiller, founding commodore Rich Acuti stepped down and handed his epaulets to the previous vice commodore, Doug Ellmore.

In June, CHESSS members braved the smoke in the air due to the Canadian wildfires for a shorthanded cruise to St. Michaels, MD. Other shorthanded cruises are planned throughout the summer.

The racing season began with a CHESSS start in the Naval Academy Sailing’s Race to the Lighthouses, won by Frank Martien on Starbird. That was followed by a CHESSS start in the AYC Spring Race to Oxford, which was won by Doug Ellmore on Revolution. Then CHESSS hosted its ever-popular Poplar Island Race. Held in unpredictable but solid conditions, Spinnaker Class was won by John Zseleczky, sailing solo on his venerable Pearson 30, Old Blue. The non-spinnaker class was won by Jim Bradshaw on his Pearson 332 Blew Bayou II. Multihull was won by John Wayshner on Flipper

CHESSS members have plans to race in the Herrington Harbour Sailing Association Shorthanded Race in July and the NASS Fall Race to Oxford, which will have a CHESSS class start. The season will wrap up with the CHESSS-sponsored Last Hurrah Race in October.

For more information, please visit chesss.clubexpress.com.

Season Is in Full Swing; Come Join Us

Parklawn Sailing Association’s (PSA) season is off to a fantastic start with fair winds and clear skies. Our members did all the necessary commissioning work to have our three-boat fleet, two Catalina 34s and a Goman Express 30, in the water in early April. Our sails that month were mainly to reorient our returning members to our boats and to introduce our new members to the features and handling of our vessels.

Our club sails have particularly benefitted from the fine weather. We held our monthly full moon sails to both the Flower Moon in May and the Strawberry Moon in June on our two Catalina cruisers.

Our Goman Express 30 racer cruiser has been holding its own in the Pirates Cove Race Club Wednesday evening races, finishing third in the spring series, and continuing our success in the summer series. Both of our cruisers, with a complement of nine crew each, sailed to Annapolis to watch the Blue Angels demonstration in celebration of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week.

Members have also been taking out the boats for “private” sails including a three-day circumnavigation of Kent Island, a weekend in St. Michaels, and an overnight to Knapp’s Narrows where 24 of our members took a group tour of Poplar Island conducted by the Maryland Environmental Service. There is still plenty of the season left so if you are interested in joining Parklawn Sailing, visit parklawnsailingassociation.org

# Pisces crew returning to our Galesville homeport after watching the Blue Angels in Annapolis.

# Steven Toole and Dillon Hale aboard Toole’s J/120 Hot Pepper during the AYC Spring Race to Oxford.

Annual SSCA GAM Open to All

Join the Seven Seas Cruising Association’s (SSCA) for its annual Chesapeake Bay GAM from September 29 through October 1. Formerly known as the Annapolis GAM, the name change reflects the growing number of Chesapeake Bay cruisers who are either exploring the Chesapeake or plan to congregate in the fall, before heading down the ICW or offshore to points east and south. The event will be held at the Maryland Yacht Club in Pasadena, MD.

This event will provide both experienced cruisers and those preparing for their first cruise (or still dreaming about it) with the opportunity to learn from each other while making connections with others with similar goals or perhaps heading in the same direction. Experienced cruisers have expressed how important the GAMs have been to their enjoyment and safety, and many appreciate the opportunity to share their knowledge.

Speakers will talk specifically about boating and cruising needs of both new and experienced voyagers. Such topics include: weather considerations for passagemaking, optimization of your boats energy systems, evolving communications technology (including Starlink) to assist your local or offshore travels, anchoring skills and etiquette, medical issues for cruisers, key aspects of buying and surveying a boat, sail care and repair, fitness while cruising, crew dynamics and considerations, cooking and provisioning, working while cruising, common diesel engine mistakes, a communications workshop, and more.

The GAM begins Friday afternoon with registration, a traditional SSCA raftup and/or potluck gathering on shore, followed by a Heading South discussion, and concluding with a bonfire. An additional CPR and first aid course will also be offered for a separate registration Friday afternoon.

Well known cruisers, Behan and Jamie Gifford (sailingtotem.com), will be our Saturday evening keynote speakers and will present a dynamic exploration of ‘taking the leap and tossing the dock lines.’ Classroom and hands-on sessions will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday, concluding with a Women Who Sail happy hour.

This GAM is open to SSCA members and non-members. Registration will open July 15th at ssca.org. There is a set number of attendees allowed, so register early!

Cruising Club Notes presented by Quality Cruising Yachts | Deltaville, VA

Raftups, Wine and Beer Tastings, and a Huge Hunter Rendezvous

In addition to planning for the June 15-18 Hunter Rendezvous: Celebrating 50 Years of Hunter Sailing at the Harbor East Marina in Baltimore, Hunter Sailing Association Station #1 members have been very busy in the past month. For Memorial Day weekend, the club rafted in Shaw Bay on Saturday and spent Sunday anchored in Thompson Creek. We enjoyed a wonderful wine tasting at Mark Cascia Vineyards, which was a short dinghy ride from the anchorage. In addition to sampling a diverse number and types of wine, we learned about the history of grape growing in the Chesapeake Bay. We also enjoyed the beautiful property grounds.

On June 3, HSA-1 members met in St. Michaels for the town’s annual Brewfest. We enjoyed numerous samples of local beer and other beverages. Following the event, we met for a windy happy hour in Muskrat Park.

Finally, the club is looking forward to the 2023 Hunter Rendezvous in Baltimore, which will be one of the largest Chesapeake Bay Hunter sailboat gatherings in years.

If you have a Hunter in the midChesapeake Bay and are not a member, please check out our club at hsa1.org or email commodore@hsa1.org to learn more about the benefits of membership, which includes access to all club cruises and events and a direct connection to a network of Bay Hunter owners.

Having Fun While Promoting High Standards of Boating Safety

On Saturday, May 20, in honor of Safe Boating Week, members of America’s Boating Club Wilmington (ABCW) showcased their knowledge and experience in safe boating at North Point Marina in Rock Hall, MD.

The information we offered included Basic Boating certification and Boat Handling courses, and educational materials on marine navigation, engine maintenance, weather, and state regulations. Multiple Vessel Safety Checks were completed. Additionally, we provided a gratifying Nautical Flea Market because our/your junk is someone else’s treasure!

Every June, members of ABCW enthusiastically begin their weeklong adventure in sailboats and powerboats heading out of the Rock Hall area. Last year the cruise kicked off at North Point Marina with an entertaining Mardi Gras theme. We traveled south anchoring on Little Round Bay on the Severn River, and the Wye River, enjoyed Herrington Harbor South, and spent two glorious day touring St. Michaels.

This year we lead off with a Hawaiian Luau theme! Heading out from the Rock Hall area we will anchor or visit interesting locations including Rhode River, Herrington Harbor South Marina, Hudson Creek off the Little Choptank River, and spend two days touring Oxford and nearby vistas. After anchoring in Dunn Cove off the Choptank River, we will celebrate our End of Cruise Banquet at Port Annapolis Marina with a catered dinner and a wrap-

up (to include a roast of participants covering many of the entertaining fun, foils, and “faux-pas”) that occurred during the week!

During the summer ABCW members enjoy monthly weekend raftups or cookouts. Winter activities feature boating education and monthly social events with interesting speakers. Visit us at abc-wilmington.com or contact us at wspsboaters@gmail.com

# HSA-1 members Celeste Streger and Dan Breitenbach, middle, flanked by Celeste’s sons, Ryan and Matt Streger at the St. Michaels Brewfest.

#UseALocalYachtBroker |

Games, Casual Racing, and Beer Tasting!

By Drew Fleming

Thirty members and guest boats of the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake enjoyed a Memorial Day Cruise. With Drew Fleming and Michael-Anne Ashford at the helm of the cruise, members started at Eagle’s Nest on the Magothy River and Saturday sailed to Duval Creek on the South River. Sunday, we held a club race to the Wye River, won by vice commodore Frank Martien.

Friday’s dinghy raftup included the Two Truths and a Lie game, and we’re still guessing what is true or not!

On a classic early summer evening Jay and Lynda Megan hosted a wonderful shore party with gorgeous views of the South River and Bay. On the Wye River members enjoyed a progressivestyle Chesapeake beer tasting with a blind taste test; Forward Brewing’s First Light, a coconut porter, took honors just ahead of Naptown Lager.

SCC promotes sailing, cruising, yacht racing, sail training, sail-related social functions, and the sport of sailing in general. Learn more at scc1944. clubexpress.com

Expires July 31, 2023

# (L to R) Drew Fleming, Jay Megan, commodore Chuck Lawrence, Linda Megan, and Michael-Anne Ashford

Quality Cruising Yachts | Deltaville, VA

# Hunter Association Station 1 boats rafted on Memorial Day Weekend.

# Hunter Sailing Association-1 members at Brewfest in St. Michaels, MD.

# Sailing Club of the Chesapeake dinghy raft. Photo by Hartley Gardner

# Cheshire Cat at the start of the 2023 Poplar Island race, with Synergy under spinnaker in the background.

# BayWoods Yacht Club members Beth Mainiero, Dick Kammann, and Kathy LeSage on a 2022 sailing charter. The group sails and powerboats out of Annapolis. Read more on page 48.

Severn School Wins Team Race Nationals

Severn School won the ISSA Team Race National Championship (Baker Trophy) this spring. The team went undefeated at the May 20-21 National Championship Regatta, capturing first place and becoming the 2023 National Team Racing Champions. This marks the first-ever Baker National Championship for the Admirals, who were bronze medal finishers in 2021 and 2022.

The National Championship Regatta was hosted by the Lake Minnetonka Sailing School, and races aboard C420s took place on Lake Minnetonka, MN. Due to weather conditions, the competition was consolidated into one day, culminating with a double round-robin Final Four of the top two teams from each division. A total of 42 races were completed on Saturday, with Severn’s team remaining undefeated.

Severn’s team was skippered by Tom Sitzmann (’23), Robby Meek (’23), and Kyle Reinecke (’23). Crew members were Scarlett Harris (’24), Helena English (’24), Jed Lory (’23), Reese Corckran (’24), and Lilly Baker (’23). The Admirals topped the very competitive field by winning all 11 races for the day. Mater Dei High School (8-3) took silver, and The Hotchkiss School (6-5) captured the bronze.

A total of 12 high school teams qualified to compete from Maryland, Connecticut, Texas, Illinois, Florida, and California, among other states.

“This is a true team achievement; not just for the sailors traveling to the event itself, but for our entire team. They all contributed enormously in both tangible and intangible ways this season, and truly helped make this possible,” says head coach Tom Sitzman.

“I think it’s hard to appreciate in the moment, especially as a young

high school student, how special and precious it is to win a national championship. They certainly don’t come easy, and for most, they don’t come at all. So many ingredients are necessary: preparation, sacrifice, talent, work ethic, humility, grit, and of course, a bit of luck. What’s even more impressive is that despite being behind in more than half of our races against the nation’s very best, this team went undefeated; this is extremely rare at this level. I am beyond happy that they will be able to cherish this forever.”

# Photos by Steve Bernstein/ Lake Minnetonka YC

Davis and Tindall Win US Junior Snipe Nationals Adam and Walker Win U30 Division

Nineteen teams competed June 10-11 at the Annapolis Snipe Invite (ASI) - US Snipe Junior Nationals hosted by Severn Sailing Association (SSA) in Annapolis. All age divisions raced together with the US Snipe Junior Nationals competitors (U22) separated for scoring purposes from the 22- to 30-year-old age bracket.

Current college sailors dominated the U22 Junior Nationals, with Tufts teammates (and Snipe veterans) Trevor Davis and Rees Tindall winning decisively to etch their names on all of the Junior Nationals perpetual trophies, as well as earning bragging rights for coming out on top of the 19-boat fleet.

Second and third places in the U22 Junior Nationals were tightly contested between Snipe newcomers Nathan Smith (US Naval Academy ‘26) and Addi Harris (Georgetown ‘24), and Mariner Fagan (Georgetown ‘24) and Ryan Wahba (US Naval Academy ‘25). The Old Man Diaz Special Junior (skipper U22, crew 22-plus) was won by Raam Fox, a member of The Severn School’s sailing team.

Snipe-sailing experience won the day for the ASI U30 Division, with Bradley Adam and Thomas Walker winning by posting consistent top finishes in very inconsistent conditions. Adam/Walker earned second overall for full-fleet bragging rights by consistently finishing in the top five and winning two of the seven races. Former Snipe Junior Nationals Champion Christian Filter and crew Lydia McPherson took second place, with Katie Bornarth and Lily Theisen (also the top women’s team) rounding

out the top three. All three of these teams own Snipes and competed in Annapolis the previous weekend at the highly competitive Colonial Cup (see page 67).

“Snipe Invites” are held annually in Miami and/or Annapolis to help promote the Snipe Class to the next generation of Under 30 sailors. To be successful, these events depend heavily on the fleets that host them to provide boats for charter and onshore assistance to help new-to-theSnipe sailors learn how to properly rig and tune the boat, which requires much more technical knowledge than rigging a collegiate dinghy such as the Flying Junior or 420.

Tufts 2022 grad Connor Sheridan remarked, “This was my first time out on a course since college sailing. I can’t tell you how great it was to get back out there and reconnect with the sailing community.”

The US Snipe Junior Nationals has been held since 1937. This year’s regatta chairs, SSA members and Snipe sailors Marissa Milliken and Devon Feusahrens, remarked, “It is so rewarding to help the younger generation hop in the Snipe for the first time and come back at the end of the day with huge smiles on their faces. The health of our class depends on our

ability to continue to bring in young talent and hosting events like the ASI/ Junior Nationals is one of the best ways to achieve that.”

The superb SSA race committee, many of whom are Snipe Class elders, pulled off seven races over the weekend, two in a dying westerly on Saturday and five in a shifty southerly on Sunday. Big wind shifts on the course translated into very jumbled scores for the competitors, with all but two teams having to drop a double digit finish. Off the water, competitors enjoyed quesadillas, burritos, and street tacos from SSA’s Botanas Fajardo snack bar and continued the regatta comradery Saturday evening at Forward Brewing Company and a local house party.

The Snipe Juniors Nationals is a qualifier for the next Snipe Junior World Championships, which will be held in January 2024 in Miami, FL. In an unusual turn of events, the top three teams from this year’s U22 division will not be young enough to compete at that event. As a result, a committee of USA Snipe Class board members will determine which teams from this and the handful of other qualifying regattas will earn berths at the 2024 Junior Worlds.

One final qualifying opportunity will be at the 2023 Snipe North American Championship, which will be hosted by Norfolk Yacht and Country Club October 20-22. A few additional spots will be available for eligible sailors to apply by resume to the USA Snipe Class for sailors who will not turn 22 in the calendar year 2024. Find more at: snipeusa.com/international-qualifiers.

# Snipe photos by Ted Morgan

A Challenging Annapolis to Newport Race Tests Racers’ Mettle

Seventy-three registrations, 62 on the starting line, and 29 finishers: such were the stats for the biennial 475-mile-long Annapolis to Newport Race, hosted by Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) and running from two starts (June 2 and 3) into the next week. Competitors saw a wide range of conditions from a wind postponement for the first start, to big breeze at the mouth of the Bay. Sailors reported 10- to 12-foot seas as they turned north, doldrums along the way, and even thunderstorms with hail as they crossed the finish line.

Stephen Hale and his team aboard the Salona 380 Cookie Monster placed first in ORC 4. Matt Alisch, Athena Arnold, Meredith Glacken, Connor Merryman, Julius Smith, and Katy Zimmerman rounded out the crew.

“We had such a great team, and I had so much confidence in them,” says Hale. “I knew the team could handle any conditions that the boat could tolerate. The months of practice really gave us the confidence in each other to push on when the conditions deteriorated. To quote one of our helmspeople, Katy Zimmerman, ‘Every sail went up and down clean, and we got sick. The team filled in until they recovered, and we sailed every four-hour shift like it was the finish.’”

After the team rounded Chesapeake Light, the second night was the hardest. Hale says, “We had difficulty getting

our second reef in. By the time it was sorted, most of the crew and I were soaked. By midnight, we had four people seasick to some degree, which meant I and watch captain Matt Alisch had been on the helm for hours and just absolutely exhausted, trying to keep the boat pointed into the 25- to 30-knot winds and waves, and keep in touch with our competition.

“At some point I knew I was nearly tapped out. Conner Merryman stepped in on the helm, which kept us going until daylight. We were beat up and exhausted, but by daybreak Sunday, we could see we were still in the

fight with the Navy boats and knew that if we kept pushing, we had a real shot at the podium. And no one gave up.”

When asked in retrospect if he’d have done anything differently, Hale responds, “We had a lot of trouble getting the satellite weather downloads to work; I wish I’d spent more time before the start troubleshooting this. After we left the Chesapeake, we weren’t able to get WX or Yellow-brick tracking until we approached Block Island. This limited our ability to take risks and separate from the fleet, because the GFS and Euro models that we had on the exit from the Bay were not in agreement.”

# Stephen Hale’s Salona 380 Cookie Monster team proved victorious in ORC 4. Photos by Mark Hergan/ SpinSheet

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Hale’s top tip for teams considering doing an ocean race is: “Teamwork: Pick the team early and find a night on the Chesapeake where it’s blowing 20-plus-knots and go out with the entire team. Practice putting in the reefs and storm sails under realistic conditions and do some man-overboard drills in the dark. Stay out there until people are wet, cold, and uncomfortable, and don’t go back until you’re confident that everyone can handle 24 to 48 hours of that weather.”

West River Sailing Club (WRSC) member Todd Berget and his crew aboard the J/120 Skadi placed first on ORC 3. Skadi’s crew included Chris Allen, Sam Carter, Andy Herbick, Robert Lancaster, Jeff LoSapio, Robert Marino, and Will Rottgering.

“It was a tough race for sure,” says Berget. “Once we got out in the ocean, we sailed conservatively with a double-reefed main and #3 headsail and tried hard to minimize the pounding. Our goal was to preserve the crew and boat as much as possible and still be in touch with the leaders in our fleet. That seemed to work but not without a lot of seasickness and one injury that left us a bit shorthanded. The waves were pretty big on Sunday to the point where we had green water coming back into the cockpit. Lots of water down below which drives me crazy! Overall, the conditions were bad, but not unmanageable.”

The worst part for the team was “pounding and seasickness.” The best part? “We

had a really fun run for about the last 40-50 miles into Newport. We had kites up for all of it and were just pressing the boat as hard as we could, often sailing at 110-percent of polars. We knew we had to push hard to make the tide gate inside of Block, and we managed to nail it. It’s also amazing coming into Newport under spinnaker on a sunny afternoon.”

Berget notes a few things that worked for his team that may help aspiring ocean racers: “Don’t be afraid to reef. We carried a double reef when most J/120s don’t even have a second reef installed on the sail. It makes the boat easier to handle… Prioritize looking after the crew and boat over

trying to press too hard. We were really surprised at how little we gave up by sailing pretty conservatively.

“Finally, don’t be afraid to get some coaching. We are mostly a bunch of beach cat racers and needed some help to make the transition to being good offshore sailors. Fortunately, we knew (Navy Varsity Offshore Team head coach) Jahn Tihansky well from racing his A-Cat at WRSC and hired him to help us out. That has probably made the biggest impact on our performance, safety, and confidence.”

Berget thanked his team, including those onshore. “We had an amazing shore crew that included Mary Ewen and my wife Leanne. My wife has been super supportive in the lead up to the race, taking care of our kids’ busy schedules and managing the house, affording me the time it takes to get prepared for an event like this. The Skadi team in general is amazing when it comes to pitching in to help with boatwork, practices, and all the other prep that these types of races entail (chef Jeff!).”

The Skadi team was awarded the Blue Water Bowl for overall performance, and navigator Sam Carter was awarded the City of Newport Trophy.

AYC member Ken Comerford, who placed first in the 12-boat ORC 2 class with his team on Dark Storm, says, “I was concerned with the original forecast that showed winds into the high 30s, and based on years of ocean racing I was

# John Lanigan’s Frers 45 Divide by Zero team placed first in ORC Racer-Cruiser and took line honors.

# Ken Comerford and his winning Dark Storm team.

BBSA

Broad Bay

Leo Wardrup Memorial

Cape Charles Cup

The Cruising Event For Serious Racers!

The Racing Event For Serious Cruisers!

Cruising, PHRF, and ORC Class victors get a beautiful Weems and Plath Lamp Trophy.

Post-race dinner on Saturday evening at beautiful Oyster Farm Marina at Kings Creek!

Sunday: Cape Charles, VA to Buckroe Beach, VA

Entry Fee - $135 if received by July 21st, otherwise $195. Includes registration, hat, tee shirt, two Saturday dinner tickets, and a skipper’s bag.

For more information, visit: www.CCCup.net

Racing

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

concerned for the boat and crew. As it turned out the conditions were better than originally thought.”

Mike Coe, Kyle Comerford, Keenan Hilsinger, Paul Luisi, Jack McGuire, and Austin Powers made up the Dark Storm team. Kyle Comerford, the skipper’s son, had to do a bow pulpit repair underway, which was one of the team’s more exciting moments.

“We had a seal go bad, and the large Delrin washer came out. We had a lot of water in the boat and were very close to putting our electrical system under water… Kyle rigged up a tape gasket and some wedges for the pole and allowed us to carry on.”

As well as being honored as one of the Yacht Club Trophy teams for best performance from an individual yacht club (along with Ben Capuco’s Zuul and Richard Born’s Windborn), Comerford’s team earned the James Allsopp Memorial Seafarer Trophy for best combined performance in the 2023 A2N and 2022 Newport Bermuda Race.

Of his team’s performance, the skipper says, “We stayed focused on keeping the boat moving fast and tried to stay with our plan. We had a few challenging decisions, but good judgement helped us make the best decisions based on where we thought we needed to position the boat for getting to the new breeze first.”

One of the best stories to come out of a rough A2N was that of Hattie WarwickSmith of Lewes Yacht Club and her team aboard the Tartan 34C Iris. Joshua Getka, Elizabeth Hinkle, Eric Linder, and Patrick Ward crewed aboard.

Warwick-Smith’s crew was the last to finish this race (after five and a half days) and the only one to finish in the ORC Cruiser class—their first-place finish was announced at the awards ceremony the night before their Thursday arrival. The skipper was grateful that the AYC race committee got up early to greet her team at the finish line at 6:45 a.m. She was stunned and touched to have received the Gaither C. Scott Corinthian Spirit Trophy.

Among the memorable moments for the Iris team’s adventure, Warwick says, “At the bottom of the Bay, we paused to put up the Solent stay and storm jib and triple reef the main. At that time one of our crew’s AIS MOB devices activated by mistake, and we had a nearby ship and the U.S. Coast Guard calling us to make sure we were okay. At the same time family (members) texted, asking if we were okay, as the YB Tracker had us listed as retired. We responded, ‘Hell no, we’re racing!’ Not finishing the Annapolis to Bermuda Race last year was very tough on all of us, and we weren’t

ready to make that decision again, unless we really, really had to.”

The skipper adds, “Getting out of the Bay the seas were large and getting larger the closer we got to Chesapeake Light, and I was so impressed with how well Iris was going given how challenging the conditions were. We were making way, had good steerage, and a fairly comfortable ride all things considered.”

Crew seasickness was the most challenging part of the race for this team. “Two crew were pretty incapacitated for a good part of the trip, leaving three of us to rotate and cover watches. The doldrums were also terribly crushing. It’s hard to get going in light air on a heavy displacement boat like mine… we assumed our fleet was way ahead of us.”

As for what her crew did well, Warwick-Smith says, “Really good sail trim and helming and a positive cheery attitude. We all like heavy weather sailing, so it was great to hear the new watch be excited to take over the helm!”

Warwick-Smith’s advice to new ocean racing teams would be to “Get good sails for all conditions, and don’t delay on sail changes. Had we had anything bigger than our storm jib going offshore things might have ended differently. Also, we at one point considered leaving the 155-percent genoa at home, but with the light wind later in the race we were so happy to have it.”

Among other memorable Chesapeake awardees was Eastport Yacht Club member John Lanigan on the Frers 45 Divide by Zero for earning line honors for Friday starters, the Chip Thayer Perpetual Trophy, and first place in ORC Racer-Cruiser.

As for other trophies, the Surflant Prize for Best Corrected Time ORC for a service academy boat went to 1/C Midshipman Phil Pacheo on the Navy 44 Defiance. The Gerber Cup for Best Corrected Time ORC for a Naval Academy Boat also went to Pacheo aboard Defiance. The Cary Arthur Memorial Trophy for the Navigator with the Best Corrected Time for a USNA boat went to Midshipman 2/C Nicholas Widick on Defiance.

Find more: annapolistonewport.com

Find photos: spinsheet.com/photos. #

# Hattie Warwick-Smith’s team on the Tartan 34C Iris earned the Gaither C. Scott Corinthian Spirit Trophy. Photo by Mark Hergan/ SpinSheet

THE GOOD LIFE

Osprey Flies in the Down the Bay Race

Of the 20 boats who started the 2023 Down the Bay Race for the Virginia Cruising Cup, hosted by Hampton Yacht Club, only a dozen finished the 120-mile-long overnighter from Annapolis to Hampton May 26-27. Competitors experienced a mixed bag of conditions from a light-air spinnaker start to several significant wind shifts to 30-knot gusts and big waves.

Fishing Bay Yacht Club member Jackson Montague and his team aboard the Hobie 33 Osprey took line honors, topped PHRF A, and earned the Virginia Cruising Cup for having the fastest monohull corrected time. Raymond Bay, Mason Chapman, Jackson Montague, Latane Montague, Austin Powers, and Eric Powers rounded out the crew.

After starting at 10 a.m. off Annapolis, the Osprey team crossed the finish line near Buckroe Beach in Hampton at 2:52:13 a.m. with an elapsed time of 16 hours. 42 minutes, and 13 seconds.

“The conditions were perfect for Osprey, who goes fast downwind and on reaches,” says Montague, who held his symmetrical spinnaker until just south of Solomons, where the wind shifted.

“We had been expecting a big shift to the east with a lot of wind, so we positioned ourselves closer to the Eastern

Shore. Initially, when the wind shifted, it came out of the south-southeast and we were sailing upwind; however, as it built, the wind began to shift towards the east. We were on a fast tight reach to 1YR, the buoy we had to round before heading to the finish. By the time the wind shifted there was only one boat ahead of us, and by nightfall we could not see anyone behind us. What this meant was that we were ahead of the strongest winds that others in the fleet saw. We

saw 20-25 knots for most of the night, while other boats saw 30 knots.”

Osprey performs best when reaching, so the crew was happy. “We were averaging around eight to nine knots for most of the night with the J3 and a reef in the main. Once we rounded 1YR, sometime around 2 a.m. we put up the symmetrical spinnaker again and it was a dead downwind run to the finish in five- to six-foot waves. We had lost our speedo display overboard, so we looked at the iPad occasionally to check our speed. The highest observed speed was 15 knots while going dead downwind…

“There was spray everywhere. The nine-mile leg to the finish was a lot of fun but also a little hairy. The waves were random. While most came from behind, some would come from the side and steer the boat around. The fact that we were trying to sail as low as possible to make the finish line off Buckroe Beach did not help stabilize the boat. Although it was dark out, the light from the shoreline and the moon helped us see the waves. The boat was screaming along downwind with the kite up… The boat is so narrow that it really feels like a surfboard in those conditions. If we had been able to sail a slightly hotter angle, the boat would have gone even faster and been more stable.”

# Jackson Montague and team aboard the Hobie 33 Osprey captured line honors and the Virginia Cruising Cup. Photos by SpinSheet

# Chris French’s Elixir team placed first in PHRF B.

Montague was impressed with the teamwork onboard. “Everyone was focused and determined. Eric did an awesome job navigating. He was constantly looking at the iPad trying to figure out the next shift. Raymond killed it on the bow. Really, everyone was willing and able to do anything and everything on the boat which made the team work really well.”

Broad Bay Sailing Association

member Chris French and crew members Mark Merrick and Andrew Haly placed first in PHRF B on the CS4O Elixir

“Conditions started as fairly benign with a downwind start and immediate spinnaker set. The winds finally came in from the north and gradually increased,” says French. “Andrew managed the foredeck through numerous gybes. Mark found the wind and straightened out the swells with some great steering.”

The team didn’t make any mistakes of note. “Before the winds got crazy, we had trouble with some spinnaker threads getting caught in the wind bird, and I went up the mast to straighten it out.”

Getting to Annapolis for the race start was one of the biggest challenges for the Elixir team, “(On) the ride up from Little Creek we saw 20-plus knots of wind on the nose until we got to Annapolis 29 hours later. We were lucky to pick up a hitchhiker, Eric Powers, who ended up being a great (delivery) mate and (later competed) aboard the overall winner, Osprey. Mark’s wife Cherly made some great pulled pork and treats that kept us going.”

After finishing around 4:30 a.m., “We relaxed after the finish for a quick minute until we realized we had to motor directly into the wind all the way back to Little Creek.”

Find full results at yachtscoring.com.

Results

ORC (3 Boats)

1. Bad Cat, James Whited

PHRF A (9 Boats)

1. Osprey, Jackson Montague

2. Virginia H.III, Andy Armstrong

3. Zombie, Mark Hergan

PHRF B (3 Boats)

1. Elixir, Chris French

2. Callinectes, Benjamin Cuker

3. Bennu, Julianne DeGraw Fettus

PHRF Non Spinnaker (2 Boats)

1. Seeker, Alan Johnson

PHRF CHESS Double Handed (3 Boats)

1. Abientot, Roger Lant

2. Neverland, Michael Gould

3. Diablo, Greg and Carie Cutter

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Annapolis to Miles River Race 2023

It was a gorgeous spring day for the annual Miles River Race, hosted by the Miles River Yacht Club, on May 27, the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Seventyone racing boats in 11 classes showed up at the start line on a chamber of commerce Chesapeake morning for the well-loved race from Annapolis to St. Michaels. Find full results at nextsailor.com and photos by Ben Cushwa for SpinSheet at spinsheet.com/photos

Results

Beachcats (4 boats)

1. Victory (Nacra 29 Carbon)

2. The Expletive (Nacra inter 20)

3. Slippery When Wet (Nacra F18 Infusion)

Multihull (10 boats)

1. Gemini (Performance Cruising Catamaran)

2. Itinerant (Corsair F-31R)

3. Temple of the Wind (Corsair 31R)

CAL 25 (4 boats)

1. Fahrvergnugen

2. Love Shack

3. White Cap

J/30 (5 boats)

1. Shamrock

2. Avita

3. Pogo

J/105 (5 boats)

1. Peregrine

2. Rocket J Squirrel

3. Chessie

CRCA CRUISER (8 boats)

1. AnnaMae

2. Merlin (Catalina / 42 MKII)

3. Winsome Ride (Bavaria Cruiser 46)

CRCA RACER (7 boats)

1. Patriot VII (J/109)

2. In the Red (S2 9.1)

3. Orion (Hanse 371)

ORC 1 (9 boats)

1. Seabiscuit (Farr 30)

2. Zuul (Aerodyne 38)

3. Muskrat (J/105 Mod)

ORC 2 (13 boats)

1. Blaze Star (Pearson Flyer 30)

2. Country Squire (Abbott 33)

3. Kolohe (Beneteau First 36.7)

PHRF A2 (2 boats)

1. Widow Maker (C&C / 44)

2. Gotcha (Beneteau 36s7)

PHRF - CRUISER (3 boats)

1. Bingo! (New York 36)

2. Five Oclock (O’Day 39)

# Photos by Ben Cushwa

Hammer-Down Racing at Southern Bay Race Week

Reporting by Lin McCarthy, Southern Bay Racing News You Can Use

Eighty-four competing boats descended upon Hampton Yacht Club (HYC) the weekend after Memorial Day, June 2-4, for the club’s signature summer kick-off event: Southern Bay Race Week (SBRW). Sailors came from Annapolis, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Solomons, and points south, including Fishing Bay, and many from the Hampton Roads region for three days of racing and fun.

Mother Nature was on the racecourse for the 2023 edition of SBRW, providing great racing conditions and ending Sunday with winds in the teens throughout and gusts in the low 20s. The PHRF Division got in eight races over the three days, and the One Design Division fit in 11 races. The Cruising Division got in their scheduled open-course, middle-distance race on Saturday in the Bay and on Sunday, after moving to the Harbor because of remaining high winds and seas in the Bay, a second such race.

The closing awards ceremony was held Sunday afternoon and included a

presentation of the SBRW daily and overall trophies and the regatta special awards. After a particularly tough competition during which the leader position changed many times, the Viper Atlantic Coast Championship was presented to Virginia Beach sailor Peter Ill with Chloe Anderson, Tyler Brown, and Ryan Dempsey.

The inaugural PHRF of the Chesapeake Southern Bay Championship Awards were presented to the individual PHRF Division racers who won overall trophies in their PHRF Fleets. PHRF officials Mayo Tabb (Southern Bay vice president) and Pat Seidel were on hand to make the presentations.

Find full results at yachtscoring.com.

SBRW 2023 Event Chairman: Jack Pope

Principal Race Officer-Event & PHRF Division: John McCarthy

Race Officer One-Design Division: Brian Deibler

Race Officer Cruising Division: Sergio Diehl

Chief Judge: Jerry Thompson

Official Scorer: Leanne Cranfill

# Mike Verald and team on the winning J/24 Quicky. Photos by Jay Cook

# Sledd Shelhorse and his crew aboard the Carkeek 40 Meridian XI placed first in PHRF Super A.

# Doug Savage on the Pearson 37 Dark Star placed first in PHRF B/C.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

SBRW Award Winners

Black Seal Cup: Peter Ill, Caterpillar, Viper 640

Overall SBRW Fleet and PHRF Southern Bay Championship Winners

PHRF Super A: Sledd Shelhorse, Meridian XI, Carkeek 40

PHRF A: Johnathan Schlossberg, Pointless, Esse 850

PHRF B/C: Doug Savage, DARK STAR, Pearson 37

PHRF Non-Spinnaker: John and Bev Blais, Stardancer, Beneteau First 36.7

Overall One-Design Class Winners

Viper 640: Peter Ill, Caterpillar

J/24: Mike Veraldi, Quicky

Melges 24: Max Plarr, Wild Child

Overall Cruising Division Winners

ORC: Larry Baun, Baserunner

Cruising A: Walt Boatwright, Puff Card

Cruising B: Frank Murphy, Last Boat III

SBRW Boat of the Day Winners

PHRF: J/B Blais, Stardancer; Sledd Shelhorse, Meridian; Ian Hill, Sitella

One Design: Mary Ewenson, Evil Hiss; Mark Wheeler, Vapor Trails; Chris and Morgan Johnson, Blue Bus

Cruising: Rob Williams, Set Free; Al Johnson, Seeker

SBRW Sportsmanship Award

Chris and Morgan Johnson, Blue Bus, J/24

Viper 640 Atlantic Coast Championship

Peter Ill, Caterpillar, Viper 640

# Peter Ill on the Viper 640 Caterpillar is the Viper Atlantic Coast Champion and winner of the 2023 Black Seal Cup.

# Max Plarr and his team on the Melges 15 Wild Child topped their class.

2023 Snipe Colonial Cup and District 1 Championships Dominated by Under 30 Sailors

By Lisa Pline

The 2023 Snipe Colonial Cup and Snipe District 1 Championship Regatta was held June 2-3 at the Severn Sailing Association (SSA) by Snipe Fleet 532. Four of the top five finishers and 10 of the 34 skippers were “NextGen” sailors: under 30 years of age. Many have high-level college sailing experience (several of them arriving in Annapolis just a day after finishing college nationals).

In addition to the youth presence, almost 20 percent of the competitors were women, with five full women’s teams and three women skippers. Several international teams from Canada and Mexico attended as well. On top of that, seven teams were married couples (one with a bun in the oven!) or parent-child duos, making the Snipe one of the premier family-friendly sailboat racing classes.

As one of the fastest growing classes for U30 sailors, the double-handed Snipe is the perfect post-collegiate boat to keep those boots wet after graduation and the social connections from college sailing strong. Its technical and tactical aspects also make the Snipe a great cross-training boat, and many past and present Snipers have also competed as professional sailors or pursued Olympic campaigns.

According to Bradley Adam, a college sailing coach and one of the top U30 skippers, “The low cost of entry (about $5000 to $7000 for a quality used boat) and the opportunity to sail against some of the best sailors in the world, while still being a super fun group of people, make the Snipe class truly special.” After all, the class

motto is “Serious Sailing, Serious Fun,” and the Colonial Cup surely lived up to that expectation.

The forecast for the weekend called for a building northeasterly breeze through Saturday and abating on Sunday. The fleet left the dock anticipating that building breeze, but it didn’t materialize until after racing for the day. That left five to 12 knots with 30-degree shifts and short standing chop that was not the typical “Annapolis washing machine”—rather much shorter and very random. This was no doubt made worse by the very strong Bay current due to discharge from the Susquehanna River that ran perhaps two knots at times all day (there was never a low tide as noted elsewhere).

These conditions made staying in pressure (which was usually accompanied by a lift) very critical. Massively overstanding the windward mark layline was a must. Those who did not ended up having

to spin out at the mark or were swept into it. These types of conditions—an unstable light to medium breeze from the northeast with very lumpy waves and very strong current—are not unknown to Annapolis, but even then, especially on Saturday, they were the most extreme combination many could remember here.

On Saturday, Ernesto Rodriguez and Grace Benzal came out of the blocks with a commanding two firsts. However, Alfonzo Garcia Bringas and Tania Benitez were right on their heels. After two more races, no one except Rodriguez/Benzal escaped the indignity of at least one deep race (including a number of OCS) and as a result, there were many competitors grouped together all the way down the scoresheet.

Sunday morning rolled around with cooler and drier conditions with most of the evening’s breeze abated. The RC waited a few minutes on station for the breeze to settle in from the eastnortheast at about six to eight knots. The really lumpy chop had faded, but the more typical washing machine chop was starting up as many powerboats hit the Bay. The current, however, showed no signs of slowing.

All the lessons learned from Saturday about staying in the pressure and adjusting for the current applied, but

# Photos by Jack Turner

given a slightly lighter breeze, it was even more important to “connect the dots” to the breeze or else one could easily find themselves a half leg behind. Only two of three planned races were completed, as the influence of the southerly thermal would have made setting a fair course impossible before the drop-dead time of 2:30 p.m. At the end of the day, the top five managed to post no finishes out of the top 10, while the rest of the fleet had at least one deep race; this left Rodriguez/Benzal in a commanding lead. In a regatta with no drop race, being consistent and not taking any big risks is critical.

On the Serious Fun side of things, after racing on Saturday the fleet enjoyed two hours of open bar at SSA Snack Bar extraordinaire Botanas Fajardo (who have been voted the best tacos in Annapolis), including Martin’s blender concoctions, followed by an Italian dinner from nearby Eastport favorite Sammy’s Pizza Kitchen.

At about 6 p.m. the strong northeasterly breeze finally arrived. Some of our star U30 sailors just couldn’t let it pass, so they relaunched and headed out for some heavy air reaching practice. And that’s not the only time Trevor Davis and Rees Tindall have taken advantage of off hours breeze to practice. That’s some dedication to improving their performance! After dinner and some socializing, the more adventurous in the crowd ventured out to local Annapolis establishments and backyards to continue socializing.

A big thanks to regatta co-chairs Zack Kelchner and Nikki Bruno, the SSA Race Committee and PRO Steve Podlich, and the members of Snipe Fleet 532 for running another fantastic Colonial Cup, our premier event. Also thanks to our food and beverage providers, Dunkin’ of Annapolis, Botanas Fajardo, and Sammy’s Pizza Kitchen. And the biggest thanks to our photographers Ted Morgan and Jack Turner for putting up with the lump to get us some awesome shots!

Top Five Finishers

1. Ernesto Rodriguez and Grace Benzal (Miami/Mexico)

2. García Bringas and Tania Benitez (Miami)

3. Trevor Davis and Rees Tindall (SSA)

4. Trevor Long and Alexandra Damley-Strand (Boston)

5. Bradley Adam and Thomas Walker (SSA)

# SSA members Trevor Davis and Rees Tindall. Photos by Jack Turner

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

The Fundraisers Win the Day at the EWE Spirit Cup

The EWE Spirit Cup, hosted by the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake and the EWE Spirit Foundation on May 20, unfolded in challenging light-air conditions off Annapolis. For the 49 competing boats, at the end of the day, the fundraisers won!

The Harbor 20 one-design fleet got two races off—one that only saw two finishers due to the fact that the rest of the boats were over early and couldn’t get back to the line on time and ended up “time limit expired” (TLE). The pursuit race took place, but many opted to stay onshore, some retired, and many were TLE. The course could be sailed either way, and the consensus after racing was that clockwise was the way to go.

Many boats sailed with kids onboard, and the race committee showed their best EWE Spirit by taking a call from a small boat becalmed on the racecourse and getting a powerboat to him in just 10 minutes to tow him to shore.

The big story of the event was the fundraising. Sailors and their friends raised $36,027 for this one-day regatta.

Craig Libigel’s Team Mystic Wind crushed the team competition with $4428 raised, and Amy Stryker was top individual with $3800 raised. Craig had challenged the fundraising teams to beat his team, and though none beat him, he presented a bottle of Goslings Rum to Team Mayhem, who gave him a run for his money. Craig received a 40-inch-wide, hand-sewn EWE flag for his efforts, and Amy received a pair of Geoff’s signature red Vans in Geoff’s size as the perpetual trophy. Later EWE Spirit sent her a pair in her size as the keeper. Keep an eye out for Craig and Amy flying the EWE Spirit colors out there.

The EWE Spirit Foundation presented SCC organizer Drew Mutch with the Gold EWE for living like EWE. His vision for the EWE Spirit Cup and the amazing team he assembled to pull it off made this event the success that it is.

EWE Spirit founder Mary Ewenson says, “Best of all, we made $10,000 grants to the Center of Help and Light House Annapolis, and representatives were on hand to accept them.”

The Stryker family rounded out their winnings with Doug receiving a bottle of Casamigos Reposado for having the best “stepping out” shirt at the “Vans and stepping out shirt” celebration for the event. When he accepted, he shared the story of his shirt, and it was oh-so EWE! It was the shirt that he and his friends wore as pall bearers for another friend who left this world too young, and it is a proper “stepping out” shirt.

At the finish line, for the third year running, volunteers tossed to the competitors cans of Forward Brewing’s special run of La Spirit beer, brewed in memory of Geoff and in honor of EWE Spirit.

The EWE Spirit Foundation’s mission is to honor the legacy of Geoff Ewenson by helping those facing immediate hardship bridge financial and social support gaps through mentorship, outreach, and financial assistance, thus creating a kind world where everyone has the resources and opportunity to live with dignity, hope, and joy. Learn more at ewespirit.org

# Top party volunteers: Avery, Charles, and Ginevra.

# Top individual fundraiser, Amy Stryker, with Claire Ward and Mary Ewenson of the Ewe Spirit Foundation, and Drew Mutch of SCC. Photo by Ginevra Iliff

# Photo by Ted Morgan/ SpinSheet

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

Don Backe Memorial CRAB Regatta

The 25th Annual Don Backe Memorial CRAB Regatta was held on Saturday, June 10 at the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC) Sailing Center. Many thanks to the AYC race committee and Principal Race Officer Peter Gordon and his team for managing five races in testy and zesty winds in Annapolis Harbor. The regatta was very competitive with CRAB guest skippers with disabilities joined by a volunteer CRAB Skipper and an AYC tactician.

CRAB was honored to have Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty attend the postrace reception and awards ceremony. Secretary Beatty presented CRAB Chair Jim Nolan with a proclamation from

Governor Wes Moore declaring June as Adaptive Boating Month in the State. CRAB looks forward to promoting this important month for all CRAB guests who want to enjoy learning to sail and race on the Bay.

The winds were in the eight- to 10knot range in the morning, perfect for the Beneteau First 22As. The winds proved to be quite variable in the harbor going from very light to closer to 12 knots. The RC did their best to keep marks in the best position and with up to eight courses as options, there were plenty of choices depending on wind direction and speed. A total of five races were conducted with four skippers claiming first place in at least one race.

Results

1. Andrea, Jay Streit

2. (Sail #6), Tim McGee

3. Lainie, John Tarrant

4. (Sail #5), Bruce Slaff

5. Whoa Dudes, Kevin Detwiler

6. Little Bit, Tom Ostrye

The 2023 champion of the Don Backe Memorial Regatta was recovering warrior Jay Streit on Andrea, sailing with CRAB Skipper Jeff West, AYC tactician Warren Richter, and Jay’s favorite crewmate Dee Perry. This was the second time that Jay and Dee have claimed the Don Backe championship, but this time with an entirely new crew.

The post-race reception on the second deck of the AYC Sailing Center overlooking Spa Creek was a fitting ending to a wonderful day. Many thanks to AYC, CRAB volunteer skippers, and AYC tacticians for hosting a wonderful event that will be long remembered as one of the best ever.

SpinSheet in Newport

SpinSheet editorial assistant Kelsey Bonham and photographer Nicholaus Bailey headed to Newport, RI, for the Ocean Race Stopover and Start of leg 5 of the race to Aarhus, Denmark. Read about their journey and the excitement to follow for the 11th Hour Racing Team at spinsheet.com.

# Presenting the permanent trophy AYC race committee PRO Peter Gordon, Dee Perry, skipper Jay Streit, CRAB chair Jim Nolan, Warren Richter, and Jeff West. Photo by Elizabeth Bollinger

Screwpile… A Mid-Summer Family Tradition

The Screwpile has been a Solomons institution since 1993, when the Southern Maryland Sailing Association (SMSA) took over for the (departed) Audi/Yachting Race Week. The regatta is named for the screwpile-style lighthouse that once guarded the mouth of the Patuxent River at Drum Point, and now stands proudly at the Calvert Marine Museum.

Now in its 31st year, the Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge has 30 years of wonderful tradition and family memories for many hundreds of Chesapeake Bay racers. For this year’s edition, July 1416, David Raley will travel from North Carolina to continue that tradition. David is the son of long-time (27 years) and recently retired Screwpile Chairman, LG Raley. He will race with Terry Reese on the J/70 in the one-design fleet. Terry is the son of LG’s late friend and long-time

Screwpile management sidekick, Herb Reese. Joining Terry and David on SS 396 are Karen Raley (Terry’s wife, David’s sister, and LG’s daughter) and Aubrey Reese (Karen and Terry’s son and LG’s and Herb’s grandson). So, if you can follow all of that, it’s Screwpile… a true family tradition. There are many more Screwpile stories.

Screwpile is fortunate to have Don Behrens back as the regatta’s principal race officer (PRO) for 2023. Don earned his reputation and honed his expertise in race management working for Peter Craig of Premier Racing. In recent years, Don served on the Signal Boat as PRO or assistant PRO in regattas such as Key West Race Week, New York Race Week in Newport, Farr 40 Worlds, the Big Boats Candy Store Cup in Newport and Barbuda, TP-52 Championships, the RC-44 regatta at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda,

Porto Cervo, Italy, as well as numerous local high school regattas.

This year SMSA has teamed up with PHRF to hold the 2023 PHRF Mid-Bay Championships, combining 30 years of Screwpile tradition with PHRF of the Chesapeake, the largest handicap racing fleet on the Chesapeake Bay. PHRF Championship trophies will be awarded as well as Screwpile trophies.

Since the Holiday Inn in Solomons closed this year, Screwpile organizers have worked hard to mitigate the loss of those 350 rooms. Other local hotels, AirBnBs, bed and breakfast inns, and eight-person cottages at the Solomons Navy Recreation Center are well suited to fill that void and with good discounts (see “documents” link on the Yachtscoring page for accommodation details).

See you at the Screwpile! Click to screwpile.com to learn more.

# As the Rakali team shows here, Screwpile welcomes family and friends who are like family. Photo by Shannon Hibberd

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE

A Beautiful Evening for the Twilight Race

On a lovely June 10 evening for sailing, 35 competing boats showed up on the start line for the annual Ted Osius Memorial Twilight Race, hosted by the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake. Find full results at regattaman.com.

Team CBYRA at the NYYC Women’s 2v2 Team Race

Team Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association (CBYRA) was met with some challenging conditions at New York Yacht Club’s (NYYC) third annual Women’s 2v2 Team Race held June 3-4 in Newport, RI, in Sonars. While every other regatta and practice was canceled in Newport due to the 25- to 35-knot conditions, only this women’s event braved the conditions to compete.

After the regatta concluded with a single round-robin of 45 races, Team CBYRA finished in a four-way tie for first with a shared record of 7-2 with Bristol Yacht Club, Larchmont Yacht Club, and Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Race officials had to dig deep into the rule book to break the tie, which came down to finishing places in each race. Team CBYRA came out in second place with Bristol Yacht Club on top.

Team CBYRA brought together talent that has developed all over the Chesapeake Bay from learn-to-sail, to high school racing, to collegiate racing, to keelboat racing, and even offshore. Team CBYRA was represented by Sara Morgan Watters (skipper), Jennifer Calhoun, Alli Gutenkunst, Kate Bjerregaard, Janel Zarkowsky (skipper), Madeline Baldridge, Ashley Love, and Martha Parker.

Thanks to the generous support of CBYRA, skippers Watters and Zarkowsky and Team Captain Love were able to continue refining their keelboat handling and team race skills at this 2v2 team race in preparation for the Women’s Thayer Cup 3v3 Team Race held June 24-25 in Marblehead, MA, in Sonars.

CBYRA has supported a growing group of Chesapeake Bay sailors to compete in events on and off the Bay for the past three years. Team Captain Love has been volunteering a huge amount of time to organize keelboat practices every Monday each spring. This has been made possible by Gibson Island Yacht Squadron (GIYS) who has generously hosted the Bay sailors in their fleet of Sonars. Tom Price from GIYS has made sure the group has had up to six working Sonars ready for each practice, set marks, and run drills each week.

It has been an inclusive community effort to prepare Team CBYRA for these high-caliber events and raise the level of women’s sailing. Team CBYRA members along with support from the existing enthusiastic team racing community based out of yacht clubs in Annapolis, are growing the talent here on the Chesapeake Bay and elevating our reputation on the national platform.

Learn more about this event at nyyc.org/2023-women-s-2v2-team-race

Top Three Results

Alberg 30

1. Raymond Bay & Pat Seidel, Laughing Gull

2. T.C. Williams, Argo

3. Michael Meinhold, Rinn Duin Cal 25

1. Alisa Finney, Fahrvergnugen

2. H Harkenrider, Arctic Tern

3. Dan Buan, White Cap CRCA Cruiser

1. Nicolas lliff, Alaris

2. Rober Michaelson, AnnaMae

3. Nick Simpson, Cordelia J/105

1. Peter Bowe, Good Trade

2. Angelo Guarino, Crescendo

3. Richard Hinds, Breakaway J/30

1. David Johnson, Avenger

2. Dan Watson, Avita

3. Bruce Irvin, Shamrock ORC

1. John and Kevin White, Country Squire

2. Stanley Shortz, Rattle and Rum

3. Bruce Artman, T-Bone

# Photo by Drew Mutch

# Team CBYRA in action. Photo by Stuart Streuli/NYYC.

Five Reasons Racing Sailors Love Overnight Races

With two big overnight races coming up soon, the Boomerang Race (July 7-8) and the Governor’s Cup (August 4-5), sailors are gearing up for that rare and awesome experience of sailing down—and in the case of the Boomerang back up—the Chesapeake Bay. Over the years we’ve interviewed regional racing sailors about why they love these races so much. Here are five reasons they give us over and over again.

1. Sunset on the Bay. Even if they’re working hard to trim or change sails and stay ahead of the competition, racing sailors appreciate sailing during sunset. Few things rival the gorgeous light of a Chesapeake summer sunset while sailing.

2. The range of conditions. When we ask about sailing conditions, the expression “mixed bag” comes up all year long from racing sailors on the Bay, but it’s almost a guarantee on a long overnight race. Going from light air to heavy air, to no air (anchoring, anyone?) to a squall, all in one race, keeps things interesting. Constant sail trim tweaking and sail changes keep the crew engaged.

3. Layering in summer is fun. It’s quite common on a long overnight race to go from tee shirt to sweatshirt to full foul weather gear to back to tee shirt. When the summertime gets hot, hot, hot, feeling a little chilly on the rail of a racing boat in the night is a welcome sensation.

4. The stars and moon. Ask any overnight racer about the stars and moon and watch their faces light up. If you do enough overnight events, you’ll eventually have a starry night to remember, see a few shooting stars, and maybe get lucky enough to sail by the light of a full moon. This year’s Governor’s Cup will be under the light of a waning full sturgeon moon, but only three days after the full moon, it will still shine brightly.

5. The sense of accomplishment. Of course, it’s gratifying to win, but even the slower boats express satisfaction in the very act of finishing a long, overnight race. Teammates feel bonded, as if the battle is over, and now it’s time to celebrate—and sleep.

Why do you race in overnighters? Share your thoughts with editor@spinsheet.com.

Governor’s Cup: 50 Years of Sailing History

When the race fleet departs Annapolis August 4 in the annual Governor’s Cup Yacht Race, it will mark the 50th running of this overnight jaunt from Maryland’s current capital to its original capital, St. Mary’s City.

The brainchild of St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) sophomores Pete Sarelas and Russell Baker, the inaugural race in 1974 established the basic formula that has withstood the test of time until today. In 1995, St. Mary’s College took over the administration of the race. Capt. Rick Loheed, associate director of waterfront activities for SMCM, has administered and scored the race since 2008, but not this year.

“With the 50th anniversary having such significance, I decided I wanted to race—I’ll still set the race up and administer registration, but I’m getting someone else to score so I can race,” said Loheed.

From an inaugural fleet of 47 boats, the past several years have seen 100-120 boats take to the waters. The nature of the race has a lot to do with its enduring popularity.

“It’s a sailor’s delight, a 60-mile open water race on the Bay that finishes as a tactical race up the St. Mary’s River for 10 miles,” said Adam Werblow, director of the waterfront and head varsity sailing coach for SMCM. “The leaders usually arrive at the finish at dawn or earlier, and as the oldest race on the Bay it’s one damn exciting competition.”

The race also offers three additional legs besides the main 70-mile route: the Potomac Leg that starts in Dahlgren; a Solomons leg; or a Fishing Bay leg starting from the Piankatank River.

This year’s finish celebration at the college’s waterfront promises to be a memorable one, with four bands playing throughout the day, some of the area’s favorite food trucks and cash bar, showers and overnight accommodations for sailors and guests, and even a performance by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO). All of the festivities are open to the public, and the music is free (donations accepted for the BSO concert in the college’s newly christened Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center).

Learn more at smcm.edu/annual-events/govcup

# The popular Eastport YC Boomerang Race takes place July 7-8. Photo by Al Schreitmueller

# Who doesn’t love a spinnaker start for a race down the Bay? This one was at the Governor’s Cup. Photo by SpinSheet

Small Boat Scene

Grownups: Help Create the Bridge to One-Design Sailing for Younger Sailors

Getting more young people sailing is great for our sport. Fostering the next generation of small-boat racers is key to the future! Junior sailing programs play an important role in introducing young sailors to racing in boats such as Optis and 420s. But once sailors “graduate”

By Kim Couranz

from those boats, what’s next?

Savvy one-design classes are making an effort to introduce young sailors to their boats—to create a bridge between junior sailing and adult onedesign sailing. ILCA (“Laser”) sailors have long mentored junior sailors and helped them adapt to the differences

between high school/college sailing and long-course sailing as well as how to sail in a fleet where you’ll be sailing against friends for life. The Lightning Class runs a fantastic boat grant program that lets teams of young sailors sail a boat for a full season and learn from terrific mentors. Other classes and fleets have “loaner” boats that sailors can try out and learn in, and some offer “lease to own” programs to help young sailors—especially those in the few years just out of college—buy a boat on more comfortable terms than taking out a loan from a bank.

Access to a one-design boat is great; learning how to sail it fast and smart is even better. The Snipe Class has long been an advocate of encouraging and supporting younger sailors to join the fun on the racecourse and in the boat park. While Snipe Junior National Championships have been held for many years to highlight the top sailors under 22 years of age, more recently, fleets have started holding events for “U30” sailors: those under 30.

The Annapolis Snipe Fleet recently hosted the Annapolis Snipe Invitational and U.S. Junior National Championship at Severn Sailing Association (see page 55). The event included three divisions: junior (skipper and crew both less than 22 years old), U30 (skipper and crew both under 30), and special junior (skipper less than 22 years old; crew any age). Sailors had lots of fun and learned a ton during a Friday-afternoon clinic (including onshore and on-the-water sessions) and Saturday and Sunday racing.

The other side of the equation is equally fun and important: The O30 (Over 30) sailors! We grownups love helping with things like this. I enjoyed spending my weekend immersed in the regatta. When our club opened up

# The author and Preston focused on sailing for most of the clinic session... but also got in some laughs. Photo by Ted Morgan

signups to serve on the race committee, I eagerly signed up for both days. When one of the young sailors’ crew couldn’t make it for the clinic, I said, “Heck yes, I’d love to stand in as crew for you that day.”

Preston Anderson, my skipper for that session, is an accomplished sailor. He began sailing at a junior program in Chicago, started a sailing team at his high school, and competed collegiately at Bowdoin College. He’s a volunteer assistant coach for the Georgetown University sailing team. He started sailing Snipes more recently and is using an older-model Snipe that’s owned by the Annapolis fleet for the summer.

As we were packing up the previous weekend after the Snipe Colonial Cup, Preston asked if we could find time to get out on the water together. While he’s found some solid success in the class, he’s eager to learn more. It made sense to have someone who has spent a long time (full disclosure: “long time” here means longer than Pres-

ton has been alive) in the front of the Snipe to be able to offer some tips and potentially identify some tweaks to the older-style boat that could make things run more smoothly.

The clinic ended up being sailed in a super puffy, shifty late afternoon. While it wasn’t a great session for practicing boatspeed, we were able to talk through a few crewing, boat setup, and speed tips. We kept a list of changes to make to the boat, some of which could be accomplished overnight and some of which are considerations for the rest of the summer.

And I got to come back to SSA the following two days to serve on race committee for the regatta itself. It

always feels good to give back to our sport by helping make a regatta happen. Add on the extra layer of having volunteer time support a regatta that’s helping younger sailors get established in an awesome one-design fleet? It’s fantastic!

The exchange of ideas and energy between the more experienced Snipe sailors and the young sailors is a terrific model for how to ensure a sustainable future for a one-design class. If you love your one-design class, be sure you’re helping form the bridge for younger sailors to join you. And if you’re a younger sailor, come sail a Snipe—us old fogies are happy to help make it happen for you!

About the Author: SpinSheet Small Boat columnist for more than a dozen years, Kim Couranz has earned several national and world titles in Laser Radials (ILCA 6) and Snipes. She has also raced J/22s, J/24s, and Ynglings on an international level.

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Racer’s Edge

One More Time – Light Air Dancing

By David Flynn of Quantum Sails

It has been five or six years since we last addressed the dreaded topic of racing in light air. Probably because it is one of my least favorite things to do. But it is getting to be that time of year (certainly here on the Chesapeake Bay), and there are going to be plenty of races where we just don’t have a choice. So, in no particular order or relevance, here are some thoughts on winning in “sub-optimal” conditions.

Attitude

We need to embrace the fact that light air racing is often a bit of a crap shoot. I am the worst at this. Sailboat racing has enough uncontrollable variables in the best of conditions. The lighter the breeze the greater the number of variables, most of which are out of control. Be prepared for having the breeze die just after you have established an unassailable lead while you watch the whole fleet sail up to you. Or maybe seeing the time limit expire just as you approach the finish line. These and other tales of woe come with the territory. You just have to laugh and accept the injustice of it all. The good news is that sometimes we are the lucky ones and get that last puff that puts us over the edge. Remember that in light air it is never over.

Race committee

It is easy to hate the race committee in light air. Why are they trying to run this race? There is no wind. We just had a 50-degree shift. What are they thinking? Keep in mind that they are struggling just like you. Getting a course set up and a start off in light, shifty conditions is hard. They are volunteers doing their best. The overriding goal is to try to get a race off. Now this may be wrong, but it is driven into them. Hopefully when they see that the last two classes to start are still on the line mixing with the class that is trying to start, they will see the error in their ways. It is okay to not start a race or abandon one. Sometimes wind, the key ingredient we all depend upon, just does not cooperate. Above all, have a heart and sympathize.

Controllable variables

Any one-design sailor knows these basic fundamentals. Handicap sailors need reminding. We can make sure our boat is ready for light air by addressing two issues. First, the bottom must be perfect. Any slime or growth will have a dramatic impact on boat speed. Bottom perfection is more critical in light air than in heavier air. No amount of time spent fairing or cleaning is wasted. You have to wipe the bottom down before every race. Second, get rid of the weight. Stuff onboard has a habit of accumulating. Boat speed is a direct reflection of horsepower-toweight ratio. You can control one half of this equation, and it is free! Clients are always coming to me looking for the magic elixir of the perfect sail or piece of equipment. Put your boat on a diet. It is the easiest way to improve speed in light air.

# Steve Young’s Patriot VII crew’s patience and persistence paid off after a slow start to the 2022 Governor’s Cup, and they won their class. Photos by Al Schreitmueller

Speed first

When it comes to making the boat go in light air, one needs to keep in mind the golden rule: speed first. When sailing upwind, we need to resist the temptation to point. Keep the nose down and rumble. Be very careful when you try to steer towards the high side of the groove. Don’t get greedy with height. In variable conditions you will need help from your trimmers. You cannot steer fast enough to keep up with the telltales. Sails will need to be eased and trimmed to help you keep up and refrain from over steering. Likewise, when downwind keep the pressure up. Err on the side of speed. Resist the temptation of sailing deep, even if that is where the mark is.

The other thing which helps the helmsperson is heel. Heel creates weather helm and helps with feel. Keep the weight forward and to leeward. Most racer/cruisers have relatively small cockpits which tend to attract lots of bodies. Get them out of the cockpit and forward up by the shrouds. It’s okay and often a lot more comfortable to go down below. Who wants to watch anyway? Food

can be a good incentive. In the puffs slide a body or two at a time up to maintain a consistent angle of heel. Finally, movement kills speed, so everyone needs to stay frozen in place and when movement is necessary, move like a cat.

Starts: low density wins

It is always a good idea to stay out of clumps of boats around the starting line. In light air it is critical. There is less breeze to go around in a pack, and you simply can’t live with another boat anywhere near you close to leeward if you are going to be reaching and building speed in the last minute. It can be especially difficult because in light air it often pays to push the ends of the line, something we usually stay away from in normal conditions. The surest way to clear air and the ability to put the bow down and accelerate is to start at the pin, or failing that at the boat end with a quick tack. Your choice of which end comes down to which side of the course looks best. Light air starts require more commitment than normal. You just can’t be conservative.

Pressure rules

Just as at the start, you are not going to win many light-air races by sailing up the middle. You really have to be ready to hit an edge. In normal races wind shifts, pressure (velocity), and current are weighted relatively evenly. In light air races pressure and current dictate strategy.

Sail to the side where you think there is more wind and less adverse or more positive current. A small increase in wind velocity pretty much outweighs anything else. Don’t worry as much about the small wind shifts. The most difficult legs are the ones where the current says go one way and the velocity says go to the other side. Say you need to go left to get out of the current, but there seems to be more pressure to the right. A good place to be to hedge your bets would be to the right of the bulk of the fleet as you headed left, shepherding them to the current favored side while staying closer to better pressure.

All in all remember to have fun. Light air racing is a lot like gambling. You are going to have to take risks, and you will need some luck. Sometimes the best laid plans are going to go awry. Embrace it! #

# Roger Lant and Michael Welin at the light-air start of the Governor’s Cup 2022.

Grand Opening

Parish Creek Landing marina, boatyard, and boatel in Shady Side, MD, celebrated two years under new management with a grand opening this spring. In that short time Parish Creek Landing has been revitalized with numerous improvements including replacing or renovating the marina office, the bathrooms and showers, indoor boatel racks, the diesel and gasoline fuel systems, and their travel and forklifts. “It’s really exciting how we’ve been embraced by the community,” says owner and official first mate Steve Schwat. “We thought we were just buying a marina, but the support we’ve had is incredible. And we plan to do much more to improve Parish Creek Landing in the future, too. We’re making a substantial investment here, and we now have plenty of room for more boats and new customers. We have the new racks which are tall enough to accommodate T-tops, and there’s even a fish cleaning station in the works.” Visit parishcreeklanding.com or call (410) 867-4800 to learn more.

New Location

Tri-State Marine (TSM) has announced a second location opening in Annapolis, MD. While they have long enjoyed a premiere location in Deale, MD, on 10 acres with the largest indoor boat showroom in the US, TSM is excited to better serve its customers from an additional location at Bert Jabin Yacht Yard. Easily accessible by land or water on Back Creek in Annapolis, customers will find a selection of Grady-White, Parker, and Sea Pro boats, along with TSM’s best-in-class service, particularly its Yamaha Outboard service, for which they are 5-Star Gold Certified. Currently, TSM has a sales advisor on-site Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. To reach them, please call (410) 562-6247. To schedule service, please call (410) 867-1960. In October, the new sales office and service areas will be completed, and this location will be staffed full-time. tristatemarine.com

Celebrating 10 Years

The Boathouse Marina, serving the boating community of Colonial Beach, VA, is celebrating 10 years in business. Since spring of 2013, the marina team has been pleased to provide quality service to its boating family of customers. As owner Bill Bowman likes to say, “The Boathouse Marina is a peaceful and friendly floating neighborhood within the town of Colonial Beach.” Over the past 10 years the marina has steadily upgraded its facility, new piers and floating slips have been added, and the electric service has been improved to support the latest 2021 codes and building upgrades. The Boathouse is also proud to be the largest marina retail store in the Northern Neck of Virginia. The Captain’s Lounge is complete with restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, an ice maker, and laundry. Other conveniences include three electric car charging stations and a BoatUS life preserver loaner program. theboathousemarina-va.com

New Owner

For more than a decade, Capt. Chris Parker has been helping recreational boaters on the Chesapeake Bay get home, first as a hired captain and later a port manager of several TowBoatUS on-water towing ports in the Tidewater region. Wanting his own on-water towing and assistance company, he journeyed east across the Bay in 2019 to open TowBoatUS Crisfeld. Now on the Bay’s Western Shore, the captain is the new owner of TowBoatUS Reedville, VA. When asked how he manages the challenge of owning two on-water assistance locations on either side of the Bay, Parker said, “I’ve got really good crew who do their jobs extremely well.” All the company’s captains are U.S. Coast Guard-licensed. Joining Parker is his wife, Katie, who handles 24/7 dispatch and business operations. “She’s a key part of my team,” he added. TowBoatUS provides professional on-water towing, battery jumpstart, vessel ungrounding, and fuel drop-off services. Separate from TowBoatUS services, the locations offer salvage and environmental remediation services. Parker’s company has five red towboats from 20- to 27-feet that are part of a nationwide fleet of more than 600 response vessels. Parker also continues to manage TowBoatUS ports in Upper Rappahannock and Gwynn’s Island. The fastest way to request assistance is to download the free BoatUS App, which connects boaters to the closest local towing captain. Additionally, the company can be reached at (804) 286-9386, or by phoning the BoatUS toll-free 24/7 Dispatch Center at (800) 391-4869. BoatUS.com/Towing

New Partnership

Coboaters, the Rhode Island based co-boating club of North America, is now affiliated with NauticED, an online sailing school. This new partnership will allow Coboaters members to access online sailing lessons and will help NauticED students find boats and crew to start their co-boating adventures. Coboaters introduced the concept of co-boating in North America in early 2022, which means sharing time on the water to sail more, and better, with friends. Skippers share their boat while crew members share their time, skills, and experience. A lot of boat owners do not use their boat as much as they would like because they do not have enough crew to sail with. And many sailors do not practice their favorite activity because they do not have boats. Coboaters works like a social network allowing them to meet online and plan their sailing activities all over North America and even worldwide. NauticED provides online sailing training and education. Students learn basic to advanced sailing skills via online sailing lessons and instruction. Once a student has passed a sailing course, NauticEd will direct the student to a local sailing school for practical sailing instruction. NauticED also provides a way to create and maintain a sailing resume online. “I am very excited with this new partnership because it will help our members and will allow them to learn more sailing skills. The mission of Coboaters is to provide more boating opportunities and sharing experiences. We are the largest crew finder network in North America. With this new partnership, we will provide two free NauticED online lessons to our members,” says Phil Perut, Coboaters founder. coboaters.com

BRO k ERAGE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS

D

DONATE

a Wounded Veteran 240-750-9899

BOAT WANTED

Wanted – 30’ Shoal Draft Sailboat < 3 feet WTB - shoal draft sailboat, swing or lifting keel with less than 3’ draft board up. Beneteau 311, 323 or Island Packet 31 would be ideal. Contact diving-entire-0k@icloud.com

Brokerag B RO k ER S ERVICES

B RO k ER S ERVICES

DINGHIES

2019 Zodiac Hypalon 290 RIB

SAIL CLUB ANNAPOLIS

S&J Yachts, Brokers for Fine Yachts

With 10 locations from Maine to Florida, S&J Yachts is one of the largest full-service yacht brokerages on the East Coast. Our extensive reach & marketing helps find top buyers quickly. S&J Yachts has established an outstanding reputation for integrity and service! Our experienced team of brokers is committed to serving both buyers and sellers, ensuring fair practices and complete satisfaction with every deal. Whether sail or power, we’ll help you find the perfect fit! 410.639.2777 info@sjyachts.com www.sjyachts.com

Yacht View Brokerage, LLC announces our new 8% commission, which may include complimentary Annapolis dockage (for yachts above 100K and up to 80’ in length) and 10% co-brokerage listing commission! We will successfully market your yacht from her current East Coast location or arrange delivery to our secure dockage for yachts from 30’-80’ (Power/Sail). Located 20 minutes from BWI airport, our listings are easily inspected and demonstrated to prospective buyers. Targeted print advertising & Yachtworld.com MLS internet exposure with wide angle/high resolution photos and video. 30 yrs proven customer service! Call/text Capt. John Kaiser, Jr. @ 443.223.7864. Email your yacht’s details for a full market appraisal to: john@yachtview.com www.yachtview.com

Excellent condition, very little use. Includes pump and cover. $1,950 Call 301.717.0274

2022 AB Inflatable RIB 10’ AB Lammina 10 AL Superlight RIB. Never used. New W/20 HP Suzuki engine. $9,500 Annapolis. Call 443.994.2094 or denis.seynhaeve@gmail.com

SAIL

SAILBOATS – ESTATE SALE

1985 Hunter 40 - 1984 Hunter 34 - 1982 Cal 25. All in great condition, ready to sail. Owner forced sale due to health issues. Located in Annapolis, MD. 732.245.2426 or abetterhealth4us@yahoo.com

O’Day 20 Project boat. FREE TO GOOD HOME. No trailer. No motor. Decent sails. Contact: Don at 410.320.0140

1981 Crosby 22’ Cat Diesel, head, galley, with optional furling jib. Fresh bottom paint. $23,000 Michael: 704.425.4108

Deanna Sansbury developed her love of the water when she and her husband lived aboard their 40' catamaran, eventually taking a sabbatical to cruise the Islands. Upon returning, she began selling sailboats for a large brokerage in Annapolis, winning the Beneteau Top Gun award for most new sailboats sold in North America. By focusing on providing exceptional customer service and listening closely to her clients' needs, she is a top pick for buyers and sellers looking for outstanding results. Cell: 410.629.9186

Deanna@YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com www.YachtBrokersofAnnapolis.com

YaZu Yachting YaZu Yachting is delighted to welcome Arabella Denvir to the team in Deltaville, VA. Arabella grew up in a sailing and boat-building family in Kinsale, Ireland. She has shared her passion for sailing over the past 30 years through teaching; she has owned & run sailing schools in Malta and Virginia. Arabella has always enjoyed sharing her love of sailing and helping people find the right boat, fulfilling their small boat sailing dreams. In joining YaZu Yachting as a broker, Arabella can now extend this activity to bigger boats and bigger dreams! 804.815.0150 arabella@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

(Bon Chance) 29’ Paceship Chance ‘74

To find more sailboat listings and boat reviews, visit spinsheet.com

Brokerage & Classified

C&C 30 MkII ‘88 S/V Papillon, a welloutfitted racing/cruising vessel, perfect for the Chesapeake, 4.5’ draft wing keel, roller furling genoa, spinnaker pole kit, extra sails. Can be sailed single-handed. Galley w/ icebox. Sleeps six. Yanmar 16Hp w/ feathering prop. 20-gal diesel and two water tanks. Head and shower. Bottom painted, spring 2022. Teak cockpit table, and more. $18,000 OBO Text 240.731.6891 or email JLEsker1@gmail.com

Hunter ‘89 Cherubini 33’ Sloop Cherubini designed masthead sloop. Actively sailed, lively cruiser. Roller furling jib. Lazy jacks for main. Reliable 15Hp Volvo diesel. New head, hot water heater, battery charger. Recent Raymarine Evolution autopilot. I’ve moved on to a larger boat. Located in Eastport. She needs a new caring owner. $9,500 Contact Bill: 202.327.3404. or Billredd1@aol.com

Vineyard Vixen 34’ Diesel auxiliary sloop, Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard 1984. Traditional beauty, strong, seaworthy, excellent condition. Accommodation for 4/5 in 2 cabins. $22,900 Located in Virginia. 804.529.5003, cmj1006@earthlink.net

1978 Palmer Johnson NY40 Modern classic with PHRF90. Fully equipped for blue water or bay. New engine, life raft, roller furling, etc. Lovingly maintained. $29,000 for quick sale. Call 410.830.1176

38’ Sabre 386 ‘04 Quality build midsize cruiser. Cruise Equipped, Air, Solar, Updated Electronics and moreNew Main. Asking $198,500 Call Dan Bacot 757.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

Pearson 30 1977 Good old boat. Well maintained. Recent 130 Jib and new main. Good Atomic 4. New bottom paint. Everything works! $12,000 Located in Annapolis. Call 240.367.7977

31’ Pearson MkII 1988 Excellent condition. Deck core professionally replaced with synthetic honeycomb (impervious to water) and topped with new non-skid deck. New 130% Genoa 2023. Like new fully battened main. Wing keel. Draft 3’-11”. Autopilot. Recent Raymarine VHF, depth, and speed. Bimini and dodger. Clean below decks. Superb solid family cruiser, single hander. Bottom painted March 2023. $32,900 Contact petert3@outlook.com

32’ Allied Seawind ketch ‘76 Five sails, 30Hp Yanmar, C&G stove and oven, depth and speed log, 2 chart plotters. $17,500 Mike 410.446.7258

1974 Carter 33 Two owners, commissioned for offshore racing, hull 5/10, 1985 FWC engine low hours, 1993 double tapered mast, cruiser ready, inventory and pics https. Jeff 804.690.2214. $8,500 YPM Lancaster, VA. Photos: www.ritual.piwigo.com

(Jangada) 35’ Hunter Legend ‘90 Solar. Wood stove. Cozy interior. Wellmaintained. Freshly painted hull. Ready to sail! $38,700 Located in Pasadena, MD. Call Dave at 240.285.4016 www.jangada.info

Sabre 38’ Mark 1 Divorce sale. $10,000 Boat needs work. Sails included. Make this boat your summer project! Call 410.703.5699 or email 21401naptown@gmail.com

34’ Jeanneau 349 ‘23 Model Year #841 IN STOCK! Limited edition, Performance pack, Sails fantastic, A true performance cruiser, Great for the bay! Call today to schedule a showing/ Demo sail. 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

38’ Sabre 38 Mk II ’88 Classic design. Lightly used, professionally maintained. AC/Heat, windlass and more. Mostly freshwater sailed. Asking $120,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

(Wings) 2020 J Boats J/121

Fully equipped Racer/Cruiser in pristine condition. Meticulously maintained and boasts exceptional race record. Includes full set of racing sails, newly coated race bottom, water ballast, and Garmin electronics. Contact: 718.764.7215 or michaelb@mcmyacht.com www.bit.ly/42OIUZJ

37’ Excess 11 ‘23 Model Year, Boat of the YEAR winner! This new catamaran has won awards around the worldCome see what it’s all about! 37-foot Performance cruiser! Hull #75 IN STOCK 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

39’ Excess 12 ‘22 Another Excess Boat of Year Winner! Cruise Ready Excess 12 #29 is ready for delivery NOW! Call CYS offices and speak with your favorite Broker! $650,000 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

37’ Pacific Seacraft 37 ’03 Extensive recent refit. Full-width forward bunk. Newer canvas and sails. Beautiful teak interior. Asking $190,000 Call Rod Rowan 703.813.0460 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

41’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 ‘23 Hull #242 IN STOCK! Very wellequipped! Call your Favorite CYS broker today for more info! Available now for Spring delivery! 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

To find more used boats, visit spinsheet.com

7078 Bembe Beach Rd., Annapolis, MD 21403

Brokerage & Classified

44’ Jeanneau 44DS ‘14 3 Cabin, 2 Head layout on this late model Beauty! Thruster, Watermaker, Solar, Low hours, lightly cruised. Dink and Davits are SOME highlights! Asking $275,000 REDUCED, won’t last long! Call Rod Rowan 703.593.7531 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

66’ CNB 66 ‘21 Well-equipped for offshore/distance cruising comfort. 4 cabins/4 heads with Captain/Crew cabin in bow. Asking $2,550,000 Call Mike Titgemeyer 410.703.7986 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

(Confidante) 36’ Vancouver ‘82 $60,000 Lars Bergstrom 910.899.7941 lars@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Pride) 40’ Tartan ‘85 $85,000 Lars Bergstrom 910.899.7941 lars@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

49’ Excess Catamaran 15 ‘23 Pulse Line Rigged. Loaded with cruising gear and elegance not yet seen in family cruising cats! Hull #14 IN STOCK!! Deposit NOW - Close/Deliver in Summer 2023! Call your favorite CYS Broker for more info! 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

409 Chester Avenue, Suite A Annapolis, MD 21403 1.855.266.5676 | info@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(karen Marie) 36’ Union ‘84 $70,000 Lars Bergstrom 910.899.7941 lars@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Chaucer Blue) 41’ Morgan ‘77 $35,000 Lars Bergstrom 910.899.7941 lars@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

www.curtisstokes.net

(Zephyrus) 37’ Irwin ‘74 $19,000 Lars Bergstrom 910.899.7941 lars@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(N2Deep) 42’ Catalina ‘03 $159,500 Joe Evans 843.813.8324 jevans@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

49’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490 ‘23 Performance Cruiser, Furling mast, Air, Gen, Thruster, and more, ready to go cruising! Hull #168 IN STOCK!! Deposit NOW - Close/Deliver Summer 2023! Call today to schedule a showing with your favorite CYS Broker 410.269.0939 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

www.curtisstokes.net

(Anna May) 38’ Wauquiez ‘86 $65,000 Brent Anderson 651.528.4198 brent@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

(Adelaide Black) 47’ Vagabond ‘81 $45,000 Lars Bergstrom 910.899.7941 lars@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

51’ Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 519 ‘17 Great equipment list on this late model Jeanneau. All set for coastal or offshore cruising. Blue Hull, Davits, Genset, Thruster, Air Con, Water Maker, Solar and more! 3 Cabin, 2 head layout. Price reduced, asking $395,000 Call Gordon Bennett 410.739.4432 or www.CrusaderYachts.com

www.curtisstokes.net

(Native) 38’ Herreshoff ‘70 $29,900 Lin Earley 757.672.2778 lin@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Read boat reviews online at spinsheet.com

(Sandalo) 33’ Hunter ‘06 $64,500 Steve Horinek 239.887.0898 steve@ curtisstokes.net

(Cloud 9) 34’ Catalina ‘88 $37,500 Lin Earley 757.672.2778 lin@curtisstokes.net

(Elf) 35’ George Lawley & Son 1888 $249,000 Fletcher C. Bauman 410.263.2000 fletcher@curtisstokes.net

Leave 10% Brokerage Fees in Your Wake Jay Porterfield • Knot 10 Sail (410) 977-9460 • jay@knot10.com

2001 Lagoon 380 3-stateroom owner version. Generator, ac/heat. Call Jay 410.977.9460 jay@knot10.com www.knot10.com

43’ Jouet 1280 Most well-designed motor sailor I have ever seen! Perfect condition. This is a must see! Visit Knot10.com and look at her! Call Jay 410.977.9460 jay@knot10.com www.knot10.com

2005 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 54 DS Captain’s layout. Full B&G Yacht Electronics. Call Jay 410.977.9460 jay@ knot10.com www.knot10.com

Brokers for Fine Yachts

Annapolis, MD 410-571-3605

Rock Hall, MD 410-639-2777

Deltaville, VA 804-776-0604

Charleston, SC 843-872-8080

Palmetto, FL 941-212-6121

www.SJYACHTS.com

Island Packet Yachts 27’-52’

List your Island Packet with the Experts! S&J Yachts is the World leader in selling IPs. No team knows these boats better! We have buyers looking now for these excellent cruising yachts. Call S&J now for a free market evaluation. 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Pacific Seacraft 31 ‘19

Nearly new, well-equipped w/ optional equipment, incl. cutter rig, shoal draft keel (4”), bow thruster, anchor windlass, inverter/charger, reverse cycle AC/heat, and custom hard top dodger. $288,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2001 Prout 38 CE category “A” ocean cruiser with 3 double cabins, two heads, a large galley, a salon with panoramic views, and a spacious cockpit. Stable, shoal draft 3’ 4” and ICW friendly. $125,000 Savannah, GA. S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2019 Island Packet Blue Jacket 40 Lightly used, nearly new condition & ready for a new owner & new adventures. Solar, arch, A/C, & shoal draft keel make it ideal for fast cruising just about anywhere! $499,900 Palmetto, FL. S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Bavaria Yachts Quality Performance

Style. Enjoy the expertise of German engineering. C42 & C45 In Stock NowCR34, C38, C42, C45, C50 arriving this summer for 2023 delivery. Thinking of a new boat or wanting to sell your Bavaria? Contact S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Island Packet 380 ‘01 Great cruiser w/ excellent accommodations & centerline forward berth. Nice galley, large roomy head. Wide side decks, incredible storage and tankage. $179,000 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

41’ Island Packet SP Cruiser ‘08 Switching from sail to power? Sit inside in comfort & trim all sails at the push of a button. Enjoy sailing or power like a displacement trawler. Large centerline berth. Spacious galley. Shoal draft. $259,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777

www.sjyachts.com

35’ Catalina 355 ‘14 Nicely equipped & very well kept. 2 spacious cabins, 1 head, AC, solar, in-mast mainsail furling, AIS (transmit & receive), dinghy & outboard, professionally installed lithium batteries w/ new wiring & invertor/charger. $195,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2013 Marlow-Hunter 40 Stunning freshly painted blue hull, new bottom paint, hard bimini, 760 engine hours, bow thruster, clean interior, two cabin layout. Beautifully kept boat! $249,000 Charleston, SC. S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

1987 Bristol 47.7 Spacious 2cabin/2head, ICW friendly design, comfortably suited for 6 aft cockpit, keel centerboard, A/C, Volvo diesel, plus many sail combinations and modern upgrades. $155,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

2017 Beneteau 41.1 Original owner boat. 3 cabin/1 head. New Upgrades: Lithium Batteries, Quantum FUSION MC 6000 main sail and genoa, Gennaker and Code 0, Solar Panels, Watermaker, Bow Thruster, Folding Prop, Dinghy & Liferaft. Full B&G Instrumentation including AIS. $315,000 S&J Yachts 410.639.2777 www.sjyachts.com

Southerly 57 ‘10 Luxurious Bluewater Performance Cruiser! Raised salon with panoramic views. Great cockpit for entertaining. Variable swing keel from 3’ 6” to 10’ 9” at the push of a button. Large transom platform/garage. $998,000 S&J Yachts 410.971.1071

www.sjyachts.com

Anne & Jon Hutchings

17218 General Puller Hwy, Deltaville, VA

Anne: 804-567-0092 | Jon: 804-567-0093

www.yazuyachting.com

33’ Pearson 33 ’87 Cute as can be. Traditional cruiser. Great for first time owners or those wanting to downsize. This ‘big little boat’ will get you on the water. Deltaville, VA. $34,500 Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

36’

361 ’00 Fabulous condition, Chesapeake Bay boat. New Inmast furling Mainsail (2019), New batteries (2023), New electronics (2016), Westerbeke 30B3 engine w/ 1590 hours (overhaul at 1225 hours in 2016), 2014 West Marine 9’ roll up dinghy, Outboard motor lift. Dodger w/ Stratoglass windows. Lottsburg, VA. $82,000 Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

45’ Lagoon 450 S ’16 Rare offering of a Lagoon SporTop Owner Version –superb condition. Loaded with everything you need to cruise. Mathews, VA. Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

51’ Beneteau Cyclades 51.5 ’06 Well-equipped cruising machine. Tall rig, deep draft, 3-4 cabin, 4 head layout. Solar, standing rigging 2017, Genoa 2016, Mainsail & Spinnaker 2018, bottom job 2018. $149,000 Deltaville, VA. Call Anne Hutchings 804.567.0092 or anne@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

TOO LATE TO CLASSIFY

46’ Bavaria 46 Cruiser ‘16 3 or 4 Cabin/3 head Layout. Shoal draft, Genset, Watermaker, Wind Generator, Davits, Electric heads, New refrig (2022), Dinghy & outboard. $242,500 Hayes, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com www.yazuyachting.com

Hunter 33.5 1989 Excellent condition. Yanmar 2GM20F, North sails, Doyle Cradle Cover (2019), Hawkeye Depth gauge (2023), and other upgrades. Boat is ready to sail. $25,000 Contact: sbailey128@gmail.com

www.yazuyachting.com

Beneteau

45’ Beneteau Oceanis 45 ’18 TURNKEY! 3 cabin, 2 head, Low hours Yanmar, ICW mast, Solar 1080w, Generator, Arch, Davits, Dinghy, Outboard, EPIRB, Enclosure, Fresh bottom paint & wax. $399,900 Deltaville, VA. Call Jon Hutchings 804.567.0093 or jon@yazuyachting.com

MAR k ETPLACE & CLASSIFIED SECTIONS

To advertise in the Brokerage and Classified sections, contact beatrice@spinsheet.com

EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

Seaside Treasures Shop for nautical decor, beach decor, and more for your lake cottage or beach home! A family run business since 2001. Use coupon “SPINSHEET10” for 10% off! ContactUs@SeasideTreasures.com www.SeasideTreasures.com

CREW

Offshore Passage Opportunities Your Offshore Sailing Network. Celebrating twenty years helping sailors sail offshore for free. Learn by doing. Gain Quality Sea Time! Call 800.4.PASSAGe (800.472.7724). Keep the Dream Alive for the Price of a Good Winch Handle! Since 1993. admin@sailopo.com www.sailopo.com

DELIVERIES

Endurance Yacht Deliveries Local and long distance. Twenty-five years of experience with clean insurance approved resume. Power and sail. Please call Simon Edwards 410.212.9579 or email stredwards@gmail.com www.enduranceyachtdeliveries.com

ELECTRONICS

H ELP WANTED

CBF Seeking Port Isobel Captain/Educator field based in Tangier, Virginia. Required to live on-site from March through early December for education field programs. Minimum 50-ton Master of Inland Waters USCG Captain License w/ FCC certification required to operate & maintain 50-foot USCG inspected vessel that provides educational experiences for participants. Position is fulltime with generous benefits, please email resumes to: employment@cbf.org www.cbf.org/about-cbf/jobs-internships/jobs/ port-isobel-captaineducator.html

P/T Delivery Drivers for three-day-a-month magazine distribution routes in Maryland. Compensation based upon quantity of stops. Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing, reliable vehicle, and be able to lift up to 25 lbs. Contact Beatrice at 410.216.9309 or beatrice@spf-360.com

Volunteer Captain for Skipjack Claud W. Somers Owned and operated by the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum in Virginia, managed by an all-volunteer crew. Captain’s Requirements: USCG Masters License (minimum of inland route, 25-ton, w/auxiliary sail endorsement), FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit/ higher-grade license, CPR/FA certification, Significant experience on sailing vessels, Subject to preemployment drug test/ongoing random testing. For more info or to apply, call 804.453.6529 or email: office@rfmuseum.org www.rfmuseum.org/claud-w-somers

WANTED

Waterfront Director on San Francisco Bay Richmond Yacht Club (richmondyc.org), will fill this new position by September 1st or sooner. Please visit this link for full job description: www.bit.ly/3VUIA9H

Yacht Sales - Curtis Stokes and Associates, Inc. is hiring new salespeople for our Chesapeake area operation. Candidates must be honest, ethical and have boating experience. This is a commission only position. Contact Curtis Stokes at 410.919.4900 or curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

Marketplace & Classified

REAL ESTATE

For Sale: 80 Acres - 2 Lots - Septic Approved Golf cart marina area; Chincoteague Bay at your footsteps; 4 buildings allowed; 2 ponds; incredible wildlife. ONLY $498,000 Preservation Opportunities w/ more acres available. Video sent upon request. Text 410.458.9069 or stephsteinmetz38@gmail.com

RENTALS

Waterfront Cottage in West Ocean City for Rent DEEP waterfront w/dock, privacy, easy parking, vintage original 2/3-bedroom, 1 bath, outside shower, July-Sept/Oct Rental. Close to Sunset Grille, Berlin, Assateague & local business owners'neighborhood. Call/text 410.458.9069 ASAP for rental or email stephsteinmetz38@gmail.com

SAIL S

SCHOOLS

M ARINE S ERVICES SAIL S SAIL S

30' - 50'Deepwater Slips for Sale & Rent Flag Harbor Condo Marina on western shore of Chesapeake in St. Leonard, MD. Slip sales & rentals 410.586.0070/ fhca@flagharbor.com. Storage & Repairs 410.586.1915/ flagboatyard@gmail.com www.flagharbor.com

34'Slip for Sale on Spa Creek - at the end of Burnside Street in Eastport. Swimming Pool, clubhouse, parking included! $48,000 OBO Call or text 717.554.8432

Wanted: Swap dock for a month summer 2023 We have a 45’L by 40’W by 6’D dock in Cambridge near Oxford and St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore. We want to swap slips in Virginia or DC. We need 4’D, 45’L, 25’W or a T-Head slip. If interested, call 678.230.9429

M EET R YAN H OPKINS , M ODERN A RTIST

Interview by Gwen Mayes

Eastern Shore artist Ryan Hopkins gave up drawing straight lines as an architect to capture the imagery of the Chesapeake using a visual chaos technique that invites us to take a second look.

What prompted you to become an artist?

Everyone is born with creativity, and that’s prompted me to want to translate the images and ideas in my head into reality through drawings and paintings. When things are not so perfect in this world, I try to create beauty in the abstract world by creating “organized chaos” with paint and melodic, harmonious colors. My philosophy has always been “to discover the never before seen.”

How did the Chesapeake shape your early interest in art?

I grew up on the Eastern Shore drawing, building, and creating. When I was 12, I won an honorable mention at the Maryland Duck Stamp competition with a pastel painting of a bluebill. I took duck carving classes with my father, Bernie Hopkins, who was a champion decoy carver all over the East Coast, and painting classes with Paul Shertz, a worldrenowned artist specializing in waterfowl. I (earned) a degree in architecture and graphic design from Yale, but soon found myself tired of drawing straight lines for the benefit of others and started experimenting with paint.

How would you describe your style to someone who has not seen your work?

I try to create beauty through a language of improvisation. My style could be described as experimental abstract with hints of non-traditional realism.

What about the Chesapeake inspires your work?

Growing up on the Eastern Shore allowed me to experience the beauty of the area and its people. There is so much to marvel

at in the towns, the lifestyle, and the wildlife of the Chesapeake that many people do not notice or just take for granted. I try to notice the beauty of the spectacular scenery but not forget about the beauty of the ordinary.

How do you capture a viewer’s attention?

My work evokes a desire to consider how the visual chaos I’ve introduced changes the piece. There’s always a bit of familiarity in the piece as well as a unique slant, point of view, or imagery that introduces motion or a sense of imperfection. In doing this, the viewer becomes an active participant in interpreting what the piece means to them, as they let their imagination contemplate the meaning of the visual chaos that is mixed with an image they may immediately recognize. Together, this enables me to invent new imagines that seem at first glance to be mistakes.

How did your work become a brand?

My wife Susan and I opened our first art gallery in 2017 in St. Michaels called

Hopkins Original Art. During that time, we learned a great deal about creating a brand to stand out in a sea of talented people in both traditional galleries and online. We promote our brand as “modern abstract with a coastal vibe.” Through the gallery, we have connected with clients to offer commissioned paintings. I combine their ideas with mine to create something unique and memorable.

What collection are you looking to do next?

My collections usually evolve organically based on experimentation. My coastal paintings seem to be very popular, as well as my large abstracts. I will probably continue down that path.

How do people learn more about your work?

My inventory is now exclusively online at hopkinsoriginalart.com. You can also find highlights of my work on Instagram @hopkinsoriginal and Facebook at Hopkins Original Art

About the author: Gwen Mayes is a writer, life coach, workshop host, and docent for the Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. Find more about her work at anchortoself.com

# Image by Ryan Hopkins

WHATEVER IT TAKES.

OCEAN CROSSINGS. FAMILY MEMORIES. STUNNING SUNSETS. WHATEVER IT TAKES TO POWER YOUR ADVENTURES.